Why Earwigs and Silverfish Invade Damp Basements in Burlington and Mississauga Homes

Earwigs and silverfish thrive in damp, dark areas where there are places to hide. Seeing them in your home’s basement is typically the first indication of too much moisture or poor humidity and ventilation in the basement, or perhaps that there is a hidden problem with water. Understanding how earwigs and silverfish invade damp basements can help you address these issues effectively inside your home.

Earwigs and Silverfish Prefer Moist Environment of Basements

Basements have a relatively high temperature and are located below ground level (the most humid places in a home). This makes Burlington and Mississauga basements very appealing to earwigs and silverfish.

Recognizing the signs of an infestation is crucial, as earwigs and silverfish invade damp basements, leading to potential damage to your property in time.

Both earwigs and silverfish need moisture, heat, and darkness. These creatures thrive in an area with a lot of moisture, heat, and darkness, including the following:

– Humid conditions = high humidity

– Condensation forming on walls and pipes

– Slow or slight leaks into the basement area

– Various (cardboard) boxes/newspapers and other items stored in the basement area make it an attractive location for these two insects.

They do not simply happen to “wander in.” Both earwigs and silverfish actively seek places that provide hiding spots, moisture, food, and shelter. Poor ventilation in your basement only allows the moisture to remain in place longer and to compound the problem.

How to Tell Earwigs and Silverfish Apart

Earwigs:

• Dark brown and elongated in shape
• The rear end is the most identifiable with the pincers, and
• They like to move quickly and prefer to hide in dark, wet places.
• They tend to nest or hide close to the foundation walls of the house as well as under other objects.

Silverfish:

• Have small, silver, and teardrop-shaped bodies.
• Although they don’t have wings and can be rather fast-moving, they move in a way that resembles a ‘wiggle’ type of movement.
• They prefer to eat things like paper, cardboard, books, etc.
• They typically hide behind boxes or near to plumbing pipes; however, they can hide in storage type of places such as attics, basements, garages, etc.

When you see earwigs or silverfish regularly in your home, the next thing you will want to do is look at all areas around the wall, plumbing lines, piles of boxes, and cluttered storage areas.

What These Pests Do (And Don’t) Damage

While both earwigs and silverfish are very annoying, neither of them has ever been known to do any type of structural damage to a person’s home.

The following is a list of the things that both earwigs and silverfish can damage:

• Paper products including books, documents, and cardboard boxes;
• Old photographs stored away
• Some fabrics, especially cotton and linen.

The following is a list of the items or areas in which these pests do NOT cause damage:

• Wood framing or drywall;
• Structural problems; and
• Significant health risk.

For most homes in Mississauga and Burlington, the problems and the damage caused from these pests are typically more related to housekeeping rather than damage from the pest. Their presence indicates some type of moisture problem.

Why Resolving Moisture Problem is just as important as Treating the Pests

Treating the pest but not treating the moisture will result in the return of the pests. To appropriately resolve this issue, consider:

• Fix broken pipes/foundation walls
• Increase airflow & ventilation
• Build a dehumidifier to lower inside humidity
• Seal up cracks/gaps between foundation & walls

While controlling moisture does eliminate earwigs and silverfish, it can also minimize mold growth and help improve the quality of air in your basement.

Professional Treatment for Earwig & Silverfish Problems in Burlington & Mississauga

Once you start to see more activity, you should take professional assistance in eradicating the pest problem.

The average approach would entail:

• Utilizing exterior perimeter sprays to prevent pest entry
• Utilizing interior treatments for designated areas of activity
• Identifying sources of moisture (potential areas of activity)
• Providing long-term recommendations for prevention of their re-appearances

Make Your Basement Pest-Proof

There are several easy ways you can restrict the population of these types of insects from invading your home.

Simple steps can include:

• Reduce clutter. These unwanted pests are highly attracted to clutter, particularly boxes made of cardboard and papers.
• Store items in an airtight plastic container
• Avoid leaving items on a concrete floor
• Run a dehumidifier during months with higher humidity
• Regularly check for dampness or leaks in basements

Making these minor changes throughout Burlington and Mississauga, you can decrease the level of attractiveness of your basement to pests.

Need Help with Earwigs or Silverfish in your basement?

If you come across earwigs or silverfish in your basement, it is usually a sign of too much moisture, poor ventilation, or easy hiding spots down at the foundation, storage boxes, plumbing, and more.

Maximum Pest Control Services can inspect active infestation areas and suggest treatment; in addition, we can give you practical advice to reduce moisture and pest problems from coming back. Reach out to Maximum Pest Control Services today by calling 905-582-5502 for earwig and silverfish control at your home in Burlington and Mississauga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do earwigs and silverfish bite/sting?

Earwigs can bite, but not usually to an extent that would cause any harm. Silverfish do not bite/sting at all.

Why do I continue seeing them in my basement?

They are attracted to moisture, darkness, and clutter—all characteristics generally found in basements.

Will they cause damage to my house?

Earwigs mainly cause destruction to paper products and photographs and, to some extent, certain types of fabrics. They usually indicate that there is an excess moisture issue within a home.

Will sealing cracks help prevent them from getting in?

Absolutely! By decreasing the level of moisture and sealing off access points, you will make it far less attractive to these little critters.

Do I need a one-time treatment or ongoing pest control?

While some homeowners use one-time treatments, many homeowners opt for continued pest control to prevent the pest problem from returning.