Occasional Invader Identification & Prevention

Earwigs and silverfish are examples of occasional invaders that regularly make their way into our Texas home. They often call the damp soil near our houses home. During periods of dry weather, heavy rains, or other unsuitable weather conditions, they will move indoors. Occasional invaders seem to pop up unexpectedly; one day, your home is pest-free the next day, home to uninvited pests!

A brief description of the earwig and silverfish are listed below:

• Earwigs have a long, slender body, flattened from top to bottom that is dark brown to reddish-brown. Earwigs have forcep-like appendages (cerci) that extend from the end of their abdomen- their most identifying feature. 
• Silverfish have antennae as long as their body, and their brown, carrot-shaped body is covered in silvery, metallic scales; a three-pronged appendage extends from the hind end. Silverfish scurry from place to place using a distinct wriggling, fish-like motion.

Most occasional invaders, including earwigs and silverfish, pose no significant danger to people nor our property. They are nuisance pests that are simply using our homes as a place of shelter. However, just because they aren’t a danger doesn’t mean we should ignore their presence. Having occasional invaders in your home usually indicates that areas of your home are damp, as most of these insects have high moisture needs. Also, if occasional invaders are finding a way into your home, so will other pests that are likely to be more problematic.

Earwigs and silverfish live outside in damp, dark areas. Often the mulch in flower beds and gardens surrounding our homes are where these pests live. Other places that occasional invaders gather near our homes include the ground under woodpiles, trashcans, and flowerpots.

The occasional invader’s proximity to our homes allows them to easily migrate inside whenever they see fit. People can also introduce these pests into their homes on or in things like pieces of firewood, storage boxes, plant pots, and other items that have been outside and are brought back inside.

Earwigs and silverfish are most problematic in areas of our home that are naturally damp and quiet. Poor ventilation, leaky pipes, and damaged weather-stripping around windows and doors will allow moisture to build up in your home and provide a place where occasional invaders can thrive. Some of their favorite hideouts include cabinets, folded towels or clothing, under or in storage boxes, and behind tubs and sinks.

The most common places to find occasional invaders in our homes include:

• Crawl spaces
• Basements
• Attics
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms

Stop occasional invaders from finding their way into your home with the help of the professionals at EnviroGaurd Pest Control. We know how frustrating it is to have these pests suddenly pop up in your home. To help, we want to provide you with the pest control services in Austin necessary to offer a long-term solution to maintain a home free of pests throughout the entire year. 

The professionals at EnviroGuard Pest Control are knowledgeable about the occasional invaders common to our area, where they like to live, and how to remove them safely. We pay attention to detail and offer affordable home pest control services to keep your family safe from occasional invaders. 

Give us a call today to learn more about ridding your property of unwanted occasional invaders or to receive your free quote.

Prevent issues with occasional invaders with the assistance of our most helpful occasional invader prevention tips.

• Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to help eliminate entry points.
• Make sure all exterior doors have door sweeps on them. 
• Inspect your home’s foundation and exterior walls sealing any cracks or other openings discovered.
• Create a crushed rock barrier between any mulch or damp soil and your home’s foundation.
• Eliminate excess moisture around your home’s perimeter by repairing clogged gutters, repairing leaky spigots, and removing dead leaves and other organic debris that traps moisture.
• Contact a professional pest control expert in San Antonio to eliminate any problem infestations from your property.