Silverfish are tiny, creepy pests that often get into Tampa homes after a tropical storm or long periods of rain. While they are moisture pests, they can't breathe underwater. As the ground becomes saturated, they have to look for higher ground. Often, this higher ground is inside man-made structures. Oversaturation isn't the only condition that can drive these insects in. They can come inside when there is a drought or when temperatures get lower than normal. But the most important reason silverfish get into Tampa homes is that they can. Here's what you should know about keeping them out.
Exclusion
It doesn't take much of a gap or crack for a silverfish to get into your home. When considering exclusion, you need to keep these tips in mind:
Inspect your exterior doors and look for the smallest of openings. If you have old weatherstripping or door sweeps developing gaps, it is time to replace them. If you have door frames that wood-damaging pests have attacked, you should fix those holes or use a caulking gun to apply a temporary patch. Sliding glass doors are notorious for letting silverfish and other pests into Tampa homes. One unique issue with sliding glass doors is gaps around the frames of screens. If you have gaps, address them to keep silverfish out.
Inspect your foundation. If you have a water main, wire conduit, or some other foundation penetration that has a gap around it, fill the gap to keep silverfish out.
Inspect the region of your home where the exterior walls sit on the foundation. If you see any gaps, use a caulking gun to fill them in.
On the inside of your home, you can use that caulking gun for one more task. Seal gaps around pipes that come in under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Yard Maintenance
If you have organic debris in your yard or near your exterior walls and foundation, clean things up to resist silverfish. These insects hide underneath objects and are particularly attracted to confined spaces underneath organic debris.
Moisture Control
Silverfish are drawn to moisture and humidity on the outside and inside of your home. If you address these conditions, you can reduce silverfish activity.
Outside
- Make sure your gutters are doing their job. When clogs or breaks occur, rainwater from your roof can wash over and soak your perimeter. This leads to damp conditions long after it has rained.
- Give your landscaping only the water it needs. If you over water, not only is it bad for your plants, it can inspire damp conditions that attract silverfish.
- Repair leaks in your plumbing, hoses, and sprinklers.
Inside
- Address any areas of your home that stay humid. You can do this by installing vents, fans, or dehumidifiers.
- If you have a ventilation fan in your bathroom, use it during baths or showers. This can have a significant impact on humidity.
- Repair any leaks on the interior of your home, such as leaky faucets, showerheads, garbage disposals, or pipes.
Sanitation
Your shed, garage, attic spaces, and other secluded areas can invite silverfish to come into your home and stay. Stacks of magazines, newspapers, or books in warm, humid spaces are inviting. Dusty spaces offer a food source.
General Prevention And Control Of Silverfish
Silverfish can target many food sources in your home. They eat paper products, including books, wallpaper, and financial documents. They feed on fabrics. They eat grains, vegetables, sugars, pet food, cereal, and other products found in your kitchen or pantry. They nibble on certain carpets and draperies. While you can't remove all the food options, there are a few things you can do.
Store food in sealed containers.
Put items inside sealed plastic totes before putting them into storage, particularly items that can be food to silverfish.
Remove piles of magazines, cardboard, trash, and other items targeted by silverfish.
Dry out spaces that contain items a silverfish might eat.
Clean up dust.
Clean recycling before you put it in your garage.
What To Do About Silverfish Infestations
If you're having issues with silverfish in your Tampa home, you may be able to correct them by applying the tips above. These insects don't do well inside a dry home or clean one. But, sometimes, they find unique circumstances in which they thrive. When this happens, it is best to contact Bold Servicing for assistance. We use EPA-approved products in a multi-pronged approach that isolates and eliminates silverfish. We can also let you know when silverfish activity has ceased in your home. Contact us today and tell us about your silverfish problem. We'll guide you in finding the right solution for your pest issue.