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Do you know about silverfish? If you live in Brentwood, there's a good chance that you've already seen one of these little pests scurrying around your home. Silverfish are harmless to humans, but can be a nuisance because they like to eat paper and other types of fabric. All-American Pest Control will discuss some helpful silverfish facts, including their habits and behaviors and how to eliminate them from your home for good with pest control in Brentwood.
Why Are Silverfish Called Silverfish?
Silverfish got their name because of their shiny, silver-colored bodies. They are also known as fishmoths, carpet sharks, and by their scientific name, Lepisma saccharina. Silverfish are wingless insects that are shaped like teardrops. Silverfish size can range from ⅛ to ½ of an inch in length. Their abdomens taper at the end, and they have long antennae.
Silverfish are nocturnal insects, so you're more likely to see them at night. If you turn on a light in a dark room, you may see a silverfish darting away to hide. They like to live in damp, dark places, so you'll likely find silverfish in your bathroom, basements, attics, and crawl space.
What Is The Purpose Of Silverfish?
Despite their small size, silverfish play an important role in the environment. They are predators of other insects and help to control the population of these pests. In the wild, silverfish help to break down leaves and other organic matter. This helps to create rich compost for plants.
When it comes to your home, however, you probably don't want silverfish eating your belongings. If you have a silverfish infestation, All-American Pest Control can help. Our experienced pest control professionals will work to eliminate silverfish from your home and keep them from coming back.
Habits And Behavior Of Silverfish In Brentwood
Although silverfish in Brentwood are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance because of their eating habits. Silverfish are known for eating paper and other types of fabric. This means that they can damage books, clothing, wallpaper, insulation, and even dead skin and hair. If you have silverfish in your home, you may notice small holes in your clothes or papers with missing bits. You may even find silverfish in your bed, as they are attracted to the dead skin cells that we shed while we sleep.
Silverfish usually enter homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation or openings around doors and windows. Once they're inside, they'll hide in dark, damp places like basements, crawl spaces, closets, and bathrooms.
What Can I Do To Remove The Silverfish From My Home?
Now that you know more about silverfish and their habits, you're probably wondering how to get rid of them. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to eliminate silverfish from your home:
- Reduce moisture. Silverfish are attracted to moisture, so reducing humidity in your home is a good way to deter them. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and bathrooms, and repair any leaks that may be causing excess moisture.
- Eliminate their food sources. One of the best ways to get rid of silverfish is to eliminate their food sources. Keep food stored in airtight containers, and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and other potential food sources.
- Remove hiding places. Silverfish like to hide in dark, damp places. Remove any clutter from your home that could provide hiding places for silverfish, and seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and around doors and windows.
If you're still seeing silverfish after taking these preventive measures, it's time to call a professional. All-American Pest Control can help. We know a thing or two about eliminating silverfish; we've been helping Brentwood residents get rid of these and other pests for over 60 years. Our pest control experts will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to get rid of your silverfish problem for good. Contact us today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Brentwood, or to schedule a free evaluation.