silverfish

The Trick To Getting Rid Of Silverfish In Eugene, OR Homes

S-Tier

April 10, 2023

Excessive moisture is a common, unnoticed problem in many homes in Eugene, and far too many local Oregon pests will take advantage of this unfortunate situation. While most moisture-loving pests invade for more reasons other than accessible water, silverfish are generally only ever a problem when it’s present. These pests are little more than a nuisance, but they can still be pretty destructive if they manage to weasel their way inside.

Silverfish Appearance And Habits

Not including their three bristle-like tails, silverfish can grow up to ¾ of an inch in length. They have long, flat, teardrop-shaped bodies covered in silvery metallic scales, and they make a wiggling, shimmying motion when they scurry around. Their appearance, paired with their fluid-like movement, is the reason they’ve earned the common name silverfish. Though silverfish infestations pose zero threat to health or structural integrity, they can still cause a lot of cosmetic damage around your Eugene home. They’ve been known to contaminate dried food products in pantries, but they’ll even eat more fibrous materials as well:

  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Baked goods and grains
  • Vegetables
  • Pet food
  • Proteins
  • Sugars and sweet drinks
  • Other insects
  • Paper and cardboard
  • Glue, adhesives, and wallpaper
  • Fabrics and clothing

How Silverfish Get Into Eugene Homes

Silverfish are usually more than happy to stay outside in their dark, sheltered spots around homes and among wildlife. They’re often found under decaying leaves and plant matter since their bodies have trouble retaining moisture, and these ideal spots provide ample amounts of water. There are points during the warmer months when these ideal shelters dry up, though, and silverfish will scramble to find more livable environments to beat the heat.

If your Eugene home hasn’t received any routine maintenance in a while, then it probably has some cracks and holes around the foundation and siding, making them the perfect size for silverfish to squeeze inside. Another more unfortunate way that silverfish get inside is through extensive water damage due to exposed exterior panels or ongoing household leaks. These entry points are much more expensive to repair but still essential in keeping silverfish and other pests out.

Preventing Silverfish From Getting Into Your Eugene Home

It can be difficult to keep Eugene pests out of your home, including silverfish, but there are still plenty of ways to make entry more difficult and your home less hospitable:

  • Seal up any cracks and holes around the exterior of your home; siding, exposed wood, foundation, gaps around pipes and wires.
  • Replace any worn-down insulation around doors and windows.
  • Keep decaying leaves, mulch, and wood raked away from the perimeter of your home.
  • Ensure that your lawn is draining properly.
  • Avoid over-watering your garden.
  • Keep dried goods in your pantry stored in airtight containers.
  • Downsize on any clutter around your home, especially under sinks and inside cabinets.
  • Repair any leaky pipes that may be causing extensive water damage
  • Invest in a dehumidifier for moisture-retaining rooms; bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement.

What’s The Trick To Getting Rid Of A Silverfish Infestation?

Trying to get rid of an ongoing silverfish infestation in your Eugene home? Well, given their more reclusive nature, you might not even know you have a problem until you spot one, and finding their nests is a feat in itself. Many of your problems can be resolved by getting rid of the moisture issues in your home, but even that might not make your new tenants go away. In that case, you’d better call the professionals.

Infinity Pest Solutions has been handling Eugene’s pest problems for nearly 20 years now. As a family-owned and operated pest control company in Eugene, OR and the surrounding communities, we know the importance of a safe and secure home. We use safe and effective pest control products in our treatments, and we even offer preventative treatments as well! Inside and out, we want to make sure your home is fully protected against even the most stubborn pests, so get in contact with us today. We’re looking forward to working for you! Reach out to us today to learn more about all of our residential and commercial pest control solutions!