Occasional Invader Identification & Prevention

What are occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders are pests that infrequently or seasonally enter homes, looking for food or shelter. Some of the most common occasional invaders are bugs such as silverfish, moths, and centipedes. Silverfish look like flat worms with long antennae, no wings, and three long bristle-like appendages on the back end of their bodies. Moths tend to have four distinct wings covered in scales. Some are light tan or gray; others are pale yellowish or brownish. Centipedes have segmented bodies of various sizes linked together by connecting pieces of their exoskeleton and legs worked into grooves along each side of their body segments.

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

No, occasional invaders are not dangerous. While they can be distressing to find in your home, these pests typically do not cause any harm to people or pets as they move around searching for food or shelter. Occasional invaders can look intimidating with their antennae and spiny legs, but most are relatively harmless and will only feed on things like starchy food crumbs, paper products, pet foods, fabric items, and stored food products.

Silverfish may leave behind yellow stains along baseboards due to the presence of their excreta, while moths may create holes in various fabrics, including wool. Centipedes can bite if threatened, so it's best not to handle them directly. However, it is still highly unlikely that these pests cause much damage aside from the fact that they are a nuisance.

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Occasional invaders enter your home due to a range of factors, including dampness (which silverfish prefer) or food sources (which moths and centipedes look for). Factors could be anything from moisture-filled rooms to spilled food in the kitchen or pet food left out. Additionally, they may have found their way into your home through small cracks in your foundation or around doors and windows. Some also love materials like cardboard, paper, or fabrics that contain starch.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders usually seek out dark, damp spaces, like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Silverfish prefer to be around moisture since they need water to survive, and moths can gravitate to stored food in cupboards or pantries. Centipedes typically hide in warm, humid places; you'll often find them near sinks and tubs. If you notice any of these pests in your home, it is important to take proactive measures and contact a pest control professional.

How do I get rid of occasional invaders?

It can be difficult to eliminate an infestation on your own. The occasional invaders in or around your home are usually just the tip of the iceberg, as most of them live and breed elsewhere, often outside in damp areas. To truly eliminate their presence from your home, it's important to track how they're getting inside and identify any potential hiding spots.

At High Country Pest Control, we have the experience needed to accurately diagnose and identify any possible pest issues you may have, including occasional invaders like silverfish, moths, and centipedes. Our team of experts uses advanced tools and techniques to find out where these pests are on your property and eliminate them. We also offer various preventative treatments to protect your home from infestations.

How can I prevent occasional invaders in the future?

To ensure that occasional invader pests like silverfish, moths, and centipedes stay away from your property, it is important to:

• Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation or around windows and doors; seal up any areas where pests may enter.
• Regularly check for signs of moisture buildup around damp areas like basements and bathrooms; use dehumidifiers if necessary to reduce humidity. 
• Clean up after meals and store all food properly in sealed containers.
• Store items like cardboard boxes, paper products, and fabrics containing starch in tightly closed containers.
• Remove stacks of firewood or debris near the exterior walls of your home that could provide shelter for occasional invaders.

These simple but effective prevention tips for occasional invaders can help you protect your home. But, if you find yourself with an active invasion, contact the High Country Pest Control professionals. We will help protect your home and family from these uninvited guests.