How to Prevent Centipedes

January 17, 2014 - By:

Now that we’ve discussed the centipedes that are most common in Arizona, it’s time to learn about the most effective ways to prevent centipede infestation. While it’s true that centipedes can help control other pest populations (they like to dine on crickets, cockroaches, silverfish and other insects), it’s not a very comforting thought to replace one pest with another. Their many-legged appearance and speed of movement can make them unsettling visitors, and the threat of their venomous “bite” makes most people want to keep them out of their homes.

Before we go into how to centipede-proof your home, it’s important that we talk about centipede bites. While all centipedes are venomous, they generally do not bite unless they are provoked. Their “bites” are actually stings from a pair of hollow, adapted leg structures on the first segment of their bodies. These hollow gnathosomes or gnathopods are filled with venom and can impart a painful sting, similar to a bee sting. The stings are typically not dangerous, but they can be quite painful – in general, the larger the centipede is, the more painful its sting will be. Additionally, centipede legs are tipped by tiny claws that can leave venomous residue and small puncture wounds if they walk on human skin. These wounds are not dangerous but can irritate the skin.

For this reason, we do not recommend that you handle a centipede if you see it indoors or near your home, especially if it is a large common desert centipede or giant desert centipede. If you wish to remove a centipede from your home, handle it as you would a snake – sweep it into a trash can or bucket, and deposit it outdoors. In the case of smaller house centipedes, you can scoop it into a jar and take it outside, or, if you’re like most people, you may prefer to stomp it on sight.

While centipedes don’t present a major threat to your health or your property, and they don’t tend to heavily infest their habitats, you still want to take steps to prevent them from entering your home, since they are so common in Arizona. There are many tactics you can use to keep centipedes from invading your house, both indoors and outdoors.

Outside the Home

  • Centipedes prefer damp habitats, so make sure that your landscaping drains away from your property. Check your property for areas where broken sprinkler heads or gutters are causing your landscaping to become too wet.
  • Centipedes are nocturnal, and stay hidden in dark, damp places during the day. Clear your yard of piles of lawn debris and leaves, and keep wood piles away from the foundation of your home.
  • Check your foundation for cracks that might provide easy entry for the centipede, and fill them with caulk or mortar.
  • If necessary, call us to discuss effective pesticide barrier treatments that can be safely used around common entry points of your home.

Inside the Home

  • Centipedes, and especially house centipedes, prefer damp environments in your home, as well. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes, and ensure that water is not seeping into your home’s foundation. You may even want to invest in a dehumidifier if an area is especially damp.
  • Use sticky traps in areas where you frequently see centipedes, such as closets, basements and other areas where they like to hunt. Not only will this help you determine the number of centipedes in your home, it can also help you find out where their entry points are.
  • Since centipedes feed on other insects, it is crucial that you remove their food sources. Treat your home for cockroaches, silverfish and crickets.
  • Keep piles of clothing or bedding off the floor, and keep your home neat and tidy to cut down on the dark places where centipedes like to hide.
  • The flat body of a centipede can fit through even the tiniest opening. Visually inspect door and window frames for cracks and entry points, and use caulk to fill them.


For most situations, these tips will keep centipedes from having the run of your home. If you do notice a large amount of centipedes in your home and these methods are not effective enough, give us a call so we can discuss your options for treatment. In some cases, the problem might be solved if we treat your property for other insect infestations.

Photo courtesy of Matt Reinbold

 

Blue Sky Pest Control Featured for its Work in the Phoenix Community

November 26, 2013 - By:

Blue Sky Pest Control was recently featured in BOMA ByLines‘ Fall 2013 issue for our efforts in helping to select Central Arizona Shelter Services, or CASS, as BOMA Greater Phoenix’s charity of choice for 2013. Check out the article below.

“YPG Gives Back to CASS” – BOMA ByLines, Fall 2013

By Gina Rouban, Interstate Restoration, 2013 BOMA Associate Chair

The BOMA Young Professionals Group was created to bring developing professionals together to learn, network and to give back to the local community. Since the group’s institution in 2009, they have done just that. Two years ago, YPG adopted a street in downtown Phoenix to make a visible impact on the local environment, build community, establish group pride and to reduce litter cleanup costs to save taxpayers money. In addition, each year, they choose one, large-scale volunteer project. Last year, the group went to St. Mary’s Food Bank, where they collectively put together 7,704 meals.

This year’s process of choosing a project was somewhat different. With the idea of adopting a charity to support on an annual basis, spearheaded by Cody Pace from Blue Sky Pest Control, BOMA Greater Phoenix established CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Services) as their charity of choice for 2013. For over 25 years, CASS has been working on ending homelessness in Phoenix. Today, they are the largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals in Arizona. They shelter approximately 1,000 individuals on a nightly basis. In 2013, each BOMA luncheon facilitated an item drive for the CASS “Need of the Month.” So far, the BOMA group has collected and donated soy milk, toilet paper, water, flash drives and quarters, just to name a few items. So, when picking the 2013 community event, CASS was the clear choice for YPG chair Gilbert Romero, Transwestern.

On July 11, eight YPG volunteers headed to CASS for four hours to donate their time and manpower. The task given to them for the day was to organize a closet of professional clothes and shoes for the folks who were being helped by CASS and needed attire to go to job interviews or to work. The small space, vented by a single fan, did not stop the group from working as a team on organizing the items quickly and efficiently. They even finished before their time was up! As a reward, the small group of volunteers headed to Trumpet Angel’s Ale House for some refreshments and networking.

YPG is proud to be taking on difficult projects substantial to the community and turning them into fun, relationship-building experiences. The group is a diverse mix of professionals new to the industry and seasoned member mentors. Their events are open to all BOMA members. This dynamic bunch hopes to see you at their next charitable event or mixer!

How Does Integrated Pest Management Work?

November 13, 2013 - By:

Here at Blue Sky Pest Control, our techniques are based on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to help rid your home of pests and prevent future infestations. Integrated Pest Management is an environmentally friendly practice that is effective in treating and preventing many kinds of pests, including termites, scorpions, rats and mice, and other pests common to our area.

While not every pest problem can be solved without using chemical treatments, IPM can be a great way to get rid of unwanted pests and prevent their return. We always do a thorough inspection to determine which approach makes the most sense for your situation, and usually it will involve some type of IPM solution.

Effective IPM approaches take into account the habits, biology and environment of the pest, and uses this information to reduce the damage the pest causes to humans, in a way that minimizes the impact of the treatment on humans and other animals. Prevention using IPM techniques is the key to long-lasting pest control in your home. Treatment can remove current populations, but without IPM prevention, they will surely return to your property.

Blue Sky Pest Control’s Integrated Pest Management solution includes customized recommendations to help you make your home more pest-proof and determine the most realistic time-frame for achieving acceptable long-term control.

When Blue Sky starts an IPM program with one of our clients, we focus on five major strategies to ensure its success:

  1. Inspection for existing infestations and potential problem areas and positive pest identification.
  2. Written findings and recommendation reports.
  3. Communication with client and coordination among all programs that affect the pest control effort.
  4. Implementation of IPM methods to solve problem.
  5. Documentation of all work and findings and follow-up with the client.

Within these strategies, we implement four levels of control to accomplish an effective IPM strategy:

  1. Access denial and Exclusion of entry points of pests.
  2. Structural, cultural and procedural modifications to reduce food, water and harborage of pests.
  3. Utilization of non-pesticide technologies such as trapping and monitoring devices.
  4. If required, the judicious use of pesticides and application methods that presents the lowest potential impact to humans and the environment, while providing effective control.

Many people are concerned about the effects of chemicals, pesticides and poison on their families and pets. Chemical treatment methods are still used when necessary for specific pest problems, but IPM can help the effects of those treatments last longer and be more effective. We also offer natural and organic pest control solutions for families concerned about family and pet safety, as well as environmental impact.

As an example, let’s take a look at our Integrated Pest Management process for rats and mice. When we visit your home or commercial site, we will conduct an in-depth inspection to determine what methods will work best for your situation. The IPM techniques we use will vary, but might include:

  • Exclusion techniques to minimize or eliminate the entry points of rodents.
  • Sanitation practices that can help reduce nesting sites and remove the things that attract rodents.
  • Trapping using glue boards.
  • Control with baits with the use of bait stations where needed to prevent access by pets and people.
  • Modification of landscaping or the home. For example, trimming trees and bushes touching the home to assist with the control, or removing organic debris.

We pride ourselves on an Integrated Pest Management approach that allows us to work within each of our customers’ specific needs. When you’re looking for environmentally sound and effective pest control solutions, it’s crucial to pick a company with experience in providing truly “green” and comprehensive IPM programs. You can feel secure in the fact that Blue Sky’s technicians have decades of experience in providing low-risk Integrated Pest Management solutions to both residential and corporate clients.

 

Top Five Tips to Keep Pests from Returning

September 24, 2013 - By:

If you’ve had us visit recently to take care of a pest problem at your home, you’re probably thinking it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your bug-free space. But before you celebrate, remember that prevention is a big part of pest control. Check these five projects off your list to make sure the bugs stay out of your home for good.

Cleanliness

Many common pests are attracted to the messes we make. Piles of yard waste, unused cardboard boxes in the basement, and heaps of dirty clothes all provide great hiding places for pests like silverfish, spiders, earwigs, roaches and crickets.

Catch the cleaning bug, and give your home a thorough once-over. Get into the dark corners with scrub brushes or dust cloths, sweep and mop your floors thoroughly, and seal up any leaky pipes. Regularly change and wash your bedding, and check mattresses for signs of bed bugs. Keep in mind that many pests like to hide in dark, damp and sheltered areas, and try to attach the trouble spots. Keep your bathroom clean and dry to avoid providing readily available water source to pests.

Take some time to do maintenance outside of your home, too. Pests like crickets, termites, scorpions and spiders often set up shop in the plants around your home. Make sure that trees, bushes and shrubbery are trimmed away from your house, and try not to overwater them. Insects are attracted to water sources, especially in Arizona’s dry climate. Stack firewood away from the house, and make sure that no wood chips or mulch come in contact with your home’s foundation – it serves as an invitation to termites.

Seal Doors and Windows

The areas around your doors and windows provide an entry point for some of the most pernicious and dangerous household pests, like scorpions. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see daylight around your doors or windows, the weather stripping needs to be replaced.

Repair door and window screens and make sure they don’t have any holes if you like to keep your windows and doors open in nice weather. You’ll never be able to completely prevent pests from entering your home, but you can make it more difficult!

Put Away the Food

Insects, just like the rest of us, need to eat to survive. Keep your kitchen clean, and wash dishes to keep them from piling up in the sinks. Wipe food residue off countertops to avoid attracting ants. If you open a food container, be sure to seal it and put it away to keep it from becoming bug food, and clear snacks and dishes out of bedrooms and living areas as soon as they are finished.

Keep an eye on your pet’s food, too! Regularly clean the areas around their food bowls, and keep their kibble in sealed containers.

Cover or Remove Standing Water

Many insects, such as mosquitoes, use standing water as a breeding ground. Pest control measures against mosquitoes are often ineffective because the standing water where they breed is left on the property.

If you are able to remove standing water from around your home, do so. If you have a pool or water feature, take care to keep it covered and clean to avoid providing a breeding ground for insects. Keep your filters and circulation turned on in your pool or water feature to keep the water flowing and disrupt breeding grounds.

Take a look at the planters and pots around your home and make sure they are not harboring standing water. If you have empty posts, turn them upside down or store them inside to keep them from collecting water. Keep your sprinkler and drip systems maintained to avoid leaks and puddles that could collect water or leak near your home’s foundation. These readily available water sources are enticing to pests, and make it easier for termites to invade your home.

Groom Your Pets

Fleas, ticks and bedbugs are what we like to call hitchhikers. They can catch a ride on your pests and set up shop in your home in no time. If you allow your animals to go outside regularly, or if you go for long walks or hikes with them, be sure to have them groomed often to avoid any unwanted guests.

If you call us to take care of your pest problems, you can be assured that we will sue targeted treatments for common pests like earwigs, cockroaches, scorpions and ants. We also treat the foundation of your home to create a barrier that to keep them out, and target the areas where they nest and breed to prevent further infestation. However, the most effective pest control is a team effort between our company and the homeowner – be sure to take the necessary steps to keep pests out of your home after our visit. Then, you can kick back with a glass of lemonade and enjoy your pest-free home in peace.

Photo credit: Chiot’s Run via photopin cc

The Three Types of Arizona Termites

September 12, 2013 - By:

Did you know that there are more than 2,700 named termite species in the world? Of those, about 45 species live in the United States, and 30 of those cause damage to wood and wood products, according to the University of Arizona.

Here in Arizona, there are about 17 species of termites present, but only three of them are of particular concern to homeowners: dampwood termites, drywood termites, and subterranean termites. Read on to learn more about each of these species, how to identify them, and what damage they can cause.

Dampwood Termites

In Arizona, dampwood termites are not considered a widespread problem, but can cause damage under some conditions. They typically infest wood at or slightly below ground level, and attacks the moist wood of living trees and shrubs. They do not build mud shelter tubes aboveground to reach food sources, and do not live underground.

In Arizona, dampwood termites often attack citrus trees and desert shrubs, and use the sap as moisture.

Dampwood termite nymphs are up to ¾-inch long, while swarmers can reach up to 1 inch in length.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are considered a more widespread problem in Arizona. They can infest wood that is not in contact with the ground. They do not live underground, and do not construct mud tubes. Infestations can occasionally be found in furniture or other wood products. Tehy6 typically attack all forms of dry, sound wood aboveground.

These termites can fly, and have been known to buzz around on sunny days during the summer. Unlike the subterranean termite, drywood termite swarms don’t typically coincide with rains.

Drywood termites are very easy to identify, although their infestations are harder to detect. They are larger than subterranean termites by about half an inch. Soldiers have large jaws, and the adult bodies are two-toned in color, with a brown head and thorax, and a brownish-black abdomen. Drywood termites are often found around doors and windowsills. A good indication of drywood termite infestation is the presence of dry, hard fecal pellets that form small piles.

Subterranean Termites

The subterranean termite is the species with the biggest impact on Arizona homeowners. They get their name from the fact that they live underground and use the soil as a source of moisture. To move into a food source above ground, these termites construct mud tubes made of fecal matter, soil and wood chips. If you see these tubes in or around you home, chances are you have a subterranean termite problem.

Subterranean termites are voracious eaters, and can digest cellulose, a tough plant fiber. Wood is their primary food source and they spend most of their time hunting for it – they don’t even sleep! In arid areas, subterranean termites typically eat many types of wood such as cactus ribs or desert trees. When homes are built in desert areas, termites often attack human structures as a replacement for their natural food sources. When looking for food or water and infesting a home, termites can damage many other materials, as well, such as paper products, insulation, pool liners, stucco and non-synthetic carpet.

Winged adult swarms typically take place during the monsoon season from July to September. Winged adults are a pale yellowish brown, about half an inch long with wings. Soldier termites are usually about ¼-inch long, with nearly straight jaws. The head is rectangular in shape.

Wood with a honeycombed appearance, as well as the presence of mud tubes protruding through walls, ceilings or floors, are signs of a subterranean termite infestation. Use a good flashlight and look for tuber along your home’s foundation wall at the soil line, cracks in concrete floors, or places where pipes and ducts enter your home. If you tap infested wood with a screwdriver, it will sound hollow, or the screwdriver may break through the wood if there is extensive damage.

The best way to check for an infestation of drywood or subterranean termites is to call a pest management professional. At Blue Sky, we offer a free, no-obligation termite inspection to assess your home for damage and possible infestations.

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension does not recommend tackling a termite infestation on your own, as they can be difficult to treat without the proper knowledge, products and equipment.

If you suspect a termite infestation from one of Arizona’s top termite species, give us a call to prevent further damage to your home.

The History of Bedbug Infestation in America

August 20, 2013 - By:

Did you know that according to survey by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky calls to pest control companies regarding bed bugs have tripled in the past decade? There are many reasons for this resurgence, but we thought it would be interesting to figure out how these pint-sized pests got here in the first place.

Come along with Blue Sky Pest Control on a wild ride into beg bug history – and stay tuned for tips on how to avoid them!

An Ancient Pest

The scientific name for the common bed bug is Cimex lecturlarius. In ancient Rome, they were called Cimex, meaning bug, with the designation lecturlarius meaning bed or couch. It’s thought that bed bugs originally fed on bats in caves where early humans resided, and eventually moved on to juicier human prey. Bed bugs have made appearances in ancient Greek plays, Roman philosophic writings, and even the Jewish Talmud. Archaeologists even found fossilized bed bugs in the excavation of a 3,550-year-old Egyptian site!

Early American Infesters

Ships in the 17th century were riddled with bed bugs, and colonists probably brought them along to America in their belongings. There is no Native American word for bed bug, which indicates that they were brought to the New World by colonists.

Traveling by Train

Train travel was the most popular means of transportation for salesmen and other travelers before the advent of cars and airplanes – and bed bugs were happy to come along for the ride. Adding to the problem was the fact that many salesmen and business travelers would stay at run-down properties or boarding houses where bed bugs were present, and they would come back home with them in their luggage.

20th Century Bugs

Surveys in the early 20th century showed that nearly 1/3rd of all residences in major American cities were infested. In low-income areas, nearly all residences had been infested at one time or another. If you were living in the early 20th century, the odds were good that you had seen or been bitten by a bed bug. Many factors impacted the rise of the bed bug in the early 20th century, including overcrowding and poor cleanliness standards.

Fighting the Biting

Early treatments for bed bug infestations included smoking them out with peat fires, sterilizing furniture with boiling water, sulfur or arsenic, or scattering plant ash around the home. Cyanide fumigation was also a popular treatment in the 1920s, but was linked to many human deaths, as well. In the 1940s, DDT was found to be so effective against the pest that bed bug infestations all but disappeared for nearly 30 years.

It was a short-lived reprieve, however, after the Environmental Protection Agency outlawed DDT and other effective chemical treatments like chlordane and diazinon for health and environmental reasons. Bed bugs were once again on the rise in the 1980s.

Modern Resurgence

The popularity and widespread availability of domestic and international travel is one reason why bed bugs have been increasing in recent years. Bed bugs often proliferate in hotels and motels, and travel back with us in our clothes and luggage just as they did in the days of train travel. The resurgence of bed bug infestations was first seen in cities like Miami, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The current increase in bed bug populations has been noted in Canada, the United States, Australia and parts of Europe and Africa.

What can you do to avoid bed bugs, and how can you tell if you have them?

  • Avoid buying used furniture or mattresses – or at the very least, check them thoroughly for bed bug carcasses and eggs.
  • Inspect hotel furniture, mattresses and bedding for bed bugs and eggs while traveling.
  • Check the Bed Bug Registry when deciding on a hotel or new apartment.
  • Look for bites on your skin – they sometimes occur in groups, though they can be solitary. The bites are painless and usually occur when you are sleeping.
  • Inspect your mattresses, furniture and bedding for bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs are flat, oblong, and about ¼-inch long. Look for dark brown or reddish spots on mattresses, sofa cushions and other furniture and corners if you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home.

 

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, call us – we can help! Bed bugs can be difficult to control without the help of a professional. They require treatment from a pest control professional, as well as the help and cooperation of the homeowner, to be treatment most effectively. Be vigilant and don’t let bed bugs create their own history in your home!

 

New Years Resolution – Pest Control For My Home

December 27, 2012 - By:

If you have been overwhelmed with the difficulty of managing pests invading your home, you may find yourself wanting to give up, if you have not already. With the New Year rapidly approaching, you may be resolving to turn a new corner when it comes to pest control. In an effort to help in your quest, here are five useful tips from pest control experts that may help you.

1. Maintain Control of Food Debris

Without a food source, pests will find it difficult to live inside your home. Not every pest feeds off the same food as humans, but making sure to clean up any lingering food before insects have a chance to get to it can discourage pests like roaches.

2. Secure Entrances

Completely preventing pests from being able to enter your home is an exercise in futility, but that does not mean you should make it easy. Make sure windows are screened if they are being used and fill any obvious cracks or holes that connect outside.

3. Chemical Pest Solutions

For serious problems, chemical solutions are available. These work either by touch or by encouraging the pest to ingest them, and they can come in a variety of forms. Be sure to err on the side of caution with chemical solutions since they can have an impact on other animals as well.

4. Overall Cleanliness

Food is not the only cleanliness concern that can help pests find a home in your home. Bedbugs, for example, make their home near bedding, so be sure to regularly clean your sheets and the area around where you sleep. Other bugs can find their home in trash cans, laundry piles, or messes that have been “forgotten.” When it comes to pests, the cleaner your home is the better.

5. Encourage the Circle of Life

Like every other species on the planet, pests have a number of creatures that use them for food. By making the area around your home attractive to these animals you can help steadily keep pest numbers down. This tactic is similar to why humans tamed cats to control rodent infestations.

What You Need To Know About Environmentally Friendly Pest Control

December 20, 2012 - By:

One of the most common reasons people turn to commercially available chemical pest solutions is that they simply are not aware of the alternatives. Below is a quick look at five methods of pest control that are easy and light on the environment.

1. Environmentally Safe Chemicals

Whenever you go to purchase chemicals, take the time to look at safer and organic alternatives and do not shy away due to the cost. These chemicals are not only easier on the environment, but the effects last longer which results in long-term savings.

2. Encourage Natural Predators

If your home’s area is made inviting to animals such as birds and bats, you may suddenly find yourself dealing with fewer insects. Both creatures feed regularly on insects, making them a beneficial neighbor to have. You can also get an outdoor cat to handle rodent issues in a similar manner.

3. Protect Your Garden with Specific Plants

Instead of lacing your garden, which may contain food you intend to eat one day, with dangerous chemicals, consider adding some naturally repellant plants. Aphids, for example, are extremely sensitive to smell, so strong-smelling herbs can ward them off.

4. Physical Barriers

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Maintaining physical barriers, like making sure your windows are properly screened, can stop pests from easily invading your home.

5. Heat Treatment

One innovative alternative to the traditional “Roach Bomb” is to seal a room and greatly increase the heat to between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is above the threshold at which most insects can survive, resulting in a pest-free zone without any chemical residue lingering about. This is a naturally great option for Phoenix pest control due to the high temperatures

Blue Sky Pest Control Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award

December 16, 2012 - By:

Blue Sky Pest Control Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Blue Sky Pest Control has earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“We are excited to be awarded the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award,” said Blue Sky’s President Nathan Woolf. “We have a lot of wonderful people that work here and I feel this award is a validation of their consistent efforts throughout the year.”

“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Blue Sky Pest Control earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 550 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. More than 1.5 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain unlimited access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine, and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

Blue Sky Pest Control is a leading exterminator servicing the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Blue Sky provides general pest control, termite control and termite warranties, scorpion control, rodent control, bed bug eradication services, bee control and bee hive removal for both residential and commercial customers. For more information about Blue Sky visit www.blueskypest.com or call 480-635-8492.

Top 5 Areas You Should Clean Up To Avoid Silverfish Infestations

December 6, 2012 - By:

In order to avoid silverfish infestation in your home there are certain areas of the house that you can clean up to help make sure that the pesky critters don’t find the food source that they require to maintain residency.  An Arizona pest control company such as Blue Sky will also be able to help you, but you will have to do your part as well.

Bathroom

1. Keep your bathroom clean and dry. Silverfish are attracted to moisture making the bathroom a great place for them to thrive. By cleaning the bathroom after use and drying the floor, tub or shower, you will be able to help prevent them from making your bathroom a breeding area.

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2. Keep your kitchen clean. Once you’ve opened food cartons, place the unused portions in airtight plastic containers so that you aren’t supplying a means of survival for the silverfish.

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3. Fix any plumbing leaks, as the moisture from leaks will attract silverfish. Fixing any of your plumbing problems will help to keep the areas under your sinks dry.

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4. Seal any holes in the walls of your home, especially on walls that are covered in wall paper. Silverfish feed on the glue that holds the wallpaper to the wall. Sealing those holes will eliminate their food source.

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5. If you have many books on shelves, make sure that you place dried lavender around the books. Silverfish do not like the odor of dried lavender and will not want to go anywhere around it.

If you still end up with a silverfish infestation, contact Blue Sky Pest Control for silverfish control services.