Focusing On Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is always important, but it can be difficult keeping unwanted creates out of your home's crawl space. Many types of pests can thrive and reproduce in the dark, damp, quiet environment provided by an average crawl space, and silverfish infestations are particularly common. 

While silverfish aren't harmful to humans or pets, these frightening-looking creatures can damage wallpaper, furniture, carpets, and clothing. If you want to prevent silverfish from infesting your crawl space and finding their way into other parts of your home, keep the following useful tips in mind:

Install A Dehumidifier

It may seem wasteful to install a dehumidifier in a 'room' you don't even use, but a small, energy-efficient dehumidifier can keep your crawl space free of silverfish. Silverfish can only thrive in damp, humid areas. If your crawl space is properly dehumidified, the dry air will cause their carapaces to dry out, forcing them to move elsewhere. 

Dehumidifying your crawl space can also bring other benefits. A dry crawl space will deter other pests dependant on humidity, such as pill bugs and mold mites. The dehumidifier can also improve the quality of the air that rises through the crawl space and into your home. This can help prevent mold and fungal growth from attacking your floorboards, structural timbers, and wooden siding.

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

Many pest control specialists offer crawl space encapsulation services that are highly effective at preventing termite infestations. A waterproof vapor barrier is added to the floor of your crawl space, preventing moisture from the bare soil from rising into the air. The crawl space is also fitted with insulated, waterproof walls, and any foundation vents in your crawl space are sealed off.

These measures will keep your crawl space free of the humidity silverfish require to live, and are especially effective when combined with a dehumidifier. The vapor barrier also creates a robust physical barrier. While silverfish may still survive beneath it, they will not be able to penetrate the barrier and find their way into your home.

Eradicate Existing Infestations

If you find that silverfish have already started to breed inside your crawl space, it may be too late for preventative measures. At this point, you should call in a professional pest control service to eradicate the infestation. Silverfish are hardy but not invulnerable, and pest control services can use pesticide sprays and powders to quickly kill any silverfish residing in your crawl space.

Many pest control services can also destroy silverfish colonies using diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and other alternatives to conventional pesticides. These 'natural' pest control substances do not pose the same health hazards as pesticide chemicals, and are ideal if you use your crawl space for storage, or have pets that like to rummage around beneath your home.

For more information about pest control services, contact a local business near you.