The Secret To Keeping Silverfish Out Of Your West Chester Home

How To Identify Silverfish 

Silverfish are named for their appearance and behavior, but what does a silverfish look like? These insects have flattened bodies that are teardrop shaped and tapered from front to back. Like fish, they have a silvery, metallic coloring and grow to be about 3/4 of an inch long. But it's not just the shape and coloring that make these insects fishlike. They also move in a way that resembles a swimming fish. Silverfish don't have wings but move very quickly with a lightning-fast wriggling run. You'll have to be quick to catch a glimpse of these nocturnal insects because they will be quick to find cover when you snap on the lights. 

The Damage Silverfish Can Do In Your Home

The good thing about silverfish in West Chester is that they are not a pest that threatens your health. They don't bite or sting, and they aren't known to spread any diseases, but that doesn't mean you'll want them overtaking your home. 

Silverfish are known for the damage they leave behind. They will eat paper products as well as glue and pantry foods like rolled oats or flour. Hungry silverfish can leave irregular holes and notches in paper products like wallpaper and books, as well as clothes and upholstery. In addition to silverfish damage, these insects can also leave behind yellow stains and feces on infested materials. So, if you're wondering, are silverfish dangerous? The answer is no. But if you're wondering, should I allow silverfish to remain in my West Chester home? The answer is also no.  

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Silverfish In Your Home

So, how can you go about getting rid of silverfish? Insects like silverfish and other occasional invaders can be difficult to eradicate because they tend to reproduce quickly and find areas to hide deep within your home. For tough infestations of nuisance insects, working with the experts at Masters Touch Pest Solutions can be the best approach to eliminating pests and keeping them from coming back. 

At Masters Touch Pest Solutions, we can inspect your home and develop a customized plan to meet the needs of your home and address the specific pest pressures you are facing. Whether you have silverfish in your ceiling or crickets in your basement, our professionals can help you get them out so that you can get back to enjoying your pest-free home. 

Silverfish Prevention Tips For Around The House

Of course, the best case scenario is to prevent silverfish in your home in the first place. Some of the ways you can get rid of silverfish naturally include: 

• Limit access to the food silverfish eat. Cut off the food supply for silverfish by keeping pantry food stored in airtight containers, replacing cardboard boxes with plastic totes, and avoid storing books and magazines in humid areas of your home like basements or garages. 
• Limit sources of moisture that could attract silverfish. Use dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas, fix leaks, maintain drainage, and eliminate or repair moldy or wet wood.
• Limit silverfish access to your home. Seal cracks and crevices, install weatherstripping and door sweeps, don't store items against the exterior walls of your home, and check items for silverfish before bringing them inside. 

These tips will help minimize the risk of silverfish and other occasional invaders from getting into your home, but they may not be enough to eliminate an existing silverfish infestation. For assistance getting rid of silverfish or for more tips on keeping them away, call the pest control experts at Masters Touch Pest Solutions.