Bristletails
Food (Photo credits: www.campgroundsigns.com)
Also known as silverfish and firebrats, bristletails frequently invade homes, and will eat cereals, grains, breads, books, paper, wallpaper, and rotting organic material. They frequently live on the undersides of wood furnishings, in floors, or in walls, and prefer to be near kitchens or food sources such as garbage cans.
These insects prefer humid environments, and thrive in homes where moisture levels are high. They are basically scavenger insects that stop at nothing. Their mission: eat and destroy. Luckily, there are methods you can use to control them.
Bristletail Control
There are many methods you can put into action to control these insects; however, just using one method alone may not produce satisfactory results, so you may wish to employ more than one of the techniques below.
- Reduce moisture – Use a dehumidifier whenever possible. If bristletails are invading your home, moisture levels there may be unusually high. Keep kitchen areas clear of spills, and reduce the time that liquid (water, tea, soda, etc.) sits out of the refrigerator.
- Control food stores – Bristletails may also be a sign that your food stores are not adequately sealed, so make it a priority to keep all food safely stored. Be sure to clean up crumbs, including those from grains and pet food. Empty your garbage regularly to prevent any rotting organic material from attracting the insects.
- Seal up cracks and crevices – If you have any known cracks in your walls or windows, seal them up immediately to prevent bristletails from making their way indoors. Also, have a professional pest control service check your home for cracks.
- Insecticides – Most pest control companies will know exactly which insecticides to use against bristletails, as well as how much to apply. Diatomaceous earth, a natural insecticide, can also be used to dehydrate the insects. Of course, before directly applying any insecticides in your home, always consult a professional pest control service.
