Common Winter Bugs & Pests in Charleston, SC

As the palmetto trees stand still against the brisk Charleston winds, residents of this historic city are finding more than just the charm of cobblestone streets and the warm flavors of Lowcountry cuisine to keep their hearts content during winter. 

With the cool season in full swing, it’s not just the locals seeking refuge from the chill. Unseen to the naked eye, a bustling activity is taking place as winter bugs and pests seek the warmth of our homes. 

Whether it’s the quiet corners of an attic in a Charleston single house or the unseen nooks of a grand Antebellum mansion, understanding these unwanted guests is the first step to keeping them at bay.

Navigating Charleston’s Wintertime Pests: A Homeowner’s Guide

The winter season in Charleston, SC, isn’t just about the quiet beauty of frost-kissed mornings or the historic city streets adorned with festive lights. It also marks the time when the local wildlife, particularly pests, begin seeking the warmth and shelter of our homes. This silent migration can turn your cozy retreat into a haven for critters if left unchecked. 

With pests in Charleston, SC, becoming a more pressing concern as temperatures drop, the knowledge of what to expect and how to combat these intruders becomes invaluable. And as any savvy Charlestonian knows, pest control isn’t just a service—it’s a winter necessity that stands between the tranquility of your home and the chaos of unwelcome guests. 

Anchor Environmental stands at the ready, bringing expertise and local know-how to ensure that your abode remains the sanctuary it’s meant to be, even when nature has other plans.

Understanding Winter Pests in Charleston, SC 

The quaint charm of Charleston is unmatched, but the onset of winter can bring unwelcome pests into our peaceful abodes. 

Let’s explore the common critters that you might find scurrying around your home as the temperature drops and how Anchor Environmental’s expert pest control services can offer you peace of mind.

• Rodents and Their Behavior 
• Overwintering Insects 
• Cockroaches and Their Habits 
• Outdoor Pests Seeking Shelter.

Rodents and Their Behavior

In the quiet of winter, rodents become the uninvited guests of Charleston’s historic homes, drawn to the promise of warmth and sustenance. 

These clever creatures are not only survivors but also agile invaders, capable of squeezing through gaps as small as a quarter inch to infiltrate your space. But it’s not just their size that’s concerning. Rodents have a penchant for gnawing, which can lead to significant damage to wires and potentially cause fire hazards. 

Their nesting habits can compromise the insulation and structure of your home by turning your sanctuary into a nest. Understanding their behavior is the first step in fortification, so seal off their entry points, keep your home clutter-free, and ensure all food is stored in rodent-proof containers to discourage their advance.

Overwintering Insects

Overwintering insects are nature’s little stowaways, seeking shelter in the nooks and crannies of our homes to escape the cold. Stink bugs, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs might be less noticeable than rodents, but they are just as determined to survive the winter. 

These insects are not only a nuisance but can also be a precursor to larger infestations. They often enter homes in the fall, hiding away until the warmth of your heating system encourages them to emerge. Preventing their intrusion is key. 

Regularly inspect and repair any cracks in your home’s exterior, ensure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens, and consider professional pest control to manage any that have already found their way inside.

Cockroaches and Their Habits

Cockroaches, particularly the German cockroach, are notorious for their resilience and the speed at which they can take over a space. In Charleston, where the winters are mild, but the homes are cozy, these pests find the perfect breeding ground. 

They’re not just seeking refuge—they’re looking for a place to thrive. Their love for humidity and warmth means that common household environments can become their playground. 

Keep them out by maintaining a dry and cool atmosphere where possible, fixing leaks promptly, and ensuring crumbs and food remnants are cleaned up immediately. Remember, cockroaches are not just a seasonal problem. They require year-round vigilance.

Outdoor Pests Seeking Shelter

An army of pests is surrounding your home, even when the cold temperatures arrive. Outdoor pests, such as ants and spiders, may seek the warmth of your home and batten down the hatches inside until spring. 

Deterring these pests is possible with the right approach. Look for outdoor attractants, like debris near the house, and remove them. Inspect all entry points that are weak spots for invasion. 

Windows, doors, the basement, and plumbing and electrical hookups are all possible entry points. Seal these carefully to protect your home from pests during the winter. 

The Advantages of Proactive Winter Pest Control in Charleston, SC

As the temperatures start to drop, Charleston’s unwelcome critters start eyeing our warm abodes. 

Here are some of the benefits of winter pest control:

• Peace of Mind Understanding and addressing the behaviors of winter pests in Charleston, SC, gives homeowners peace of mind. With the right knowledge and actions, you can enjoy the winter months in comfort without uninvited guests.
• Protect Your Home’s Integrity Pests can cause damage to your home’s structure and wiring. Taking steps to prevent their entry helps protect your home’s integrity and value.
• Health and Hygiene Pests can carry diseases and trigger allergies. Keeping them out of your home ensures a healthier environment for you and your family.
• Save on Costs By preventing pest infestations, you can save money on potentially costly repairs and pest control services down the line.
• Preserve Your Home’s Comfort Your home is your sanctuary. Maintaining a pest-free home preserves the comfort and serenity of your living space.

Secure Your Sanctuary This Winter

Winter in Charleston is a time for warm gatherings and creating memories in the comfort of our homes, a time which should remain undisturbed by the distress of pest invasions. 

Understanding the habits of these winter pests and taking preemptive steps can ensure your home stays a place of peace and comfort. By partnering with Anchor Environmental, you gain more than just a pest-free home—you gain the assurance that your sanctuary is protected by experts who care deeply about your peace of mind and the integrity of your cherished space. 

Don’t let pests be an unwarranted shadow over your winter festivities. Take action today, reach out to Anchor Environmental, and let’s ensure your Charleston home remains the warm, inviting haven it’s meant to be all season long.

Palmetto bugs are a species of cockroaches found in the southern United States and Cuba. They are most commonly found in humid climates, like those found in South Carolina.

Palmetto bugs have a scientific name, Eurycotis floridana, but they are also known by various other names such as American cockroach, Florida woods cockroach, and skunk roaches. They are up to two inches in length with a reddish-brown color.

Why Are Palmetto Bugs Present In Charleston?

Palmetto bugs, otherwise known as American cockroaches or wood roaches, are the most common pest found in the Charleston area. They were introduced to the area through early settlers, and the warm, humid climate of Charleston provides an ideal environment for their survival and reproduction.

Are palmetto bugs harmful?

These pests pose problems for homeowners and commercial establishments alike as they can cause diseases by contaminating food or surfaces in the home. Palmetto bugs are also known to spread various viruses, parasites, and bacteria, as well as trigger allergies in some people.

What happens when a palmetto bug bites you?

Palmetto bugs do not typically bite humans, but they can pinch skin if provoked. These bites will usually be painful and cause redness and swelling. In some instances, a palmetto bug may also release an irritating fluid from its body that could cause itching or burning sensations. It is important to clean the area with soap and water immediately and apply antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to prevent infection or further irritation. If you experience any significant pain, swelling, redness, or a fever after being bitten, it is advised to seek medical attention.

Why do I suddenly have palmetto bugs in my house?

Palmetto bugs can gain access to homes through small cracks and crevices, such as those around door frames, windowsills, pipes, and vents. They often come in seeking food or water sources, so it is important to keep the home clean and free of debris that could attract them. Additionally, reducing moisture levels in the home, such as in bathrooms and basements, can also help make it less attractive to this type of pest.

Is a palmetto bug the same thing as a cockroach?

No, they are not the same. Palmetto bugs are a species of cockroach, but they are larger and wider in size than other common cockroaches, such as the German Cockroach or Oriental Cockroach. Additionally, palmetto bugs have wings that allow them to fly for short distances. They look like a cross between a beetle and a cockroach. Palmetto bugs are most commonly found in the southeastern United States, while other types of cockroaches can be found worldwide.

Are there any health risks associated with a palmetto bug infestation?

Yes, palmetto bugs pose the same health risks as other common cockroaches. They can spread bacteria and contaminate food sources, which can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses in humans. Additionally, they may also trigger asthma and allergies in those who are sensitive to their presence. Therefore, it is important to take steps to eliminate a palmetto bug infestation as soon as possible.

What are some ways to prevent and control a palmetto bug infestation?

The most effective way to prevent and control a palmetto bug infestation is to keep the home clean and free of food debris. This means vacuuming often, sealing any cracks or openings around windows, doors, and walls, and ensuring that all food sources are stored in airtight containers. Additionally, regular pest control treatments can help eliminate the presence of palmetto bugs. Regularly spraying the outside of the home with a pesticide can help keep them from entering, and setting traps inside the house can help get rid of any existing infestations. Lastly, it is important to make sure that all drains are kept free of debris to discourage palmetto bugs from living in moist areas. Taking these steps can help keep palmetto bugs away and ensure that my home remains a safe and comfortable place to live.

What attracts palmetto bugs?

Palmetto bugs are attracted to damp, dark areas where they can find food and shelter. This often includes kitchens and bathrooms, as well as areas that may have been previously flooded or exposed to a lot of moisture. Additionally, palmetto bugs are drawn to sources of light at night. Turning off any outdoor lights near the home can help discourage palmetto bugs from entering the home.

How long do palmetto bugs live?

Palmetto bugs can live up to two years, depending on the environment they are living in. Their lifespan is greatly affected by temperature and other environmental factors. In optimal conditions, palmetto bugs can survive for far longer periods of time. It is important to remember that palmetto bugs are prolific breeders, so even if you only see one or two in your home, there could be many more living nearby.

What time of the year are palmetto bugs most active?

Palmetto bugs are most active during the warmer months of the year. They become more active in spring, when they come out of hibernation and begin to breed. During summer and early fall, palmetto bug activity peaks as they search for food sources such as fruits and vegetables. As the weather cools down in late fall and winter, they become less active and eventually enter hibernation. As temperatures begin to warm up again in the spring, they re-emerge and start their breeding cycle.

What state has the most palmetto bugs?

The state with the highest population of palmetto bugs in South Carolina and Florida. This warm and humid climate is ideal for these insects, as it provides them with plenty of food sources and adequate shelter. Palmetto bugs can also be found in other southern states such as Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

How can I get rid of palmetto bugs?

The best way to get rid of palmetto bugs is to use integrated pest management (IPM) methods. This includes eliminating sources of food and water, reducing clutter in the home, sealing up cracks and crevices that may serve as entry points, and using chemical treatments as a last resort. To reduce the chances of an infestation, it’s important to keep your home clean and dry, since palmetto bugs are attracted to moist environments. Additionally, regularly inspecting your property for cracks or openings in exterior walls can help prevent the insects from entering your living space. Finally, be sure to discard any old boxes, newspapers, and other items that may be harboring the bugs. With a combination of these preventative measures, you can keep palmetto bugs out of your home.

Anchor Environmental Can Help!

If your home is already infested with palmetto bugs, it’s best to reach out to a professional pest control service. At Anchor Environmental, we have years of experience dealing with these pests and can help you get them out of your home quickly and safely. Contact us today!

Charleston is home to many historic homes and buildings. Unfortunately, these structures can be at risk for termite infestations. Termites are small insects that feed on wood and other plant material, making them especially dangerous to the structural integrity of homes and buildings. If you own a Charleston property, it’s important to know whether your home is at risk for termite damage. Learn more about termite control in Charleston.

Are there termites in Charleston, SC?

Yes, there are several species of termites commonly found in Charleston, including the Eastern Subterranean Termite and the Formosan Subterranean Termite. Both types can cause extensive damage to wood and other plant material if left unchecked.

Eastern Subterranean Termite

This species is the most common type of termite found in Charleston and can cause extensive damage to wood and other plant material if left unchecked. They typically enter buildings through cracks in walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.

They look for damp, decaying wood that is close to the ground and are usually found in moist areas. They may also be attracted to other sources of food such as books, insulation, or cardboard.

Eastern Subterranean Termites appear to have reddish or dark brown heads and bodies with pale yellow legs. They are wingless and measure about 1/8 to 3/8 inches in length.

Formosan Subterranean Termite

These termites are more aggressive than the Eastern Subterranean Termite and can cause even more damage if left unchecked. They typically enter buildings through existing tunnels, such as those made by carpenter ants.

Formosan Subterranean Termites appear pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. They have wings that are densely covered with small hairs, and their heads are rounded on the sides but tapered toward the front. They can be up to three-eighths of an inch long when fully grown.

These termites feed on wood, paper, cardboard, insulation, fabric, and other cellulose materials found in homes and buildings.

The Best Time To Treat For Termites

For the most effective termite treatment, we recommend having treatments done in:

• Early spring, before they become active.
• Late summer and early fall, when the insect populations are at their highest.
• Anytime there is an infestation present.

In order to ensure a successful treatment, it’s important to use the latest technology available from professional pest control companies.

Termite Removal Methods

The most effective termite treatments are those that are completed before any major damage has occurred. This means that early detection and preventive measures are key to avoiding costly repairs. Your termite treatment should include an inspection, baiting program, or fumigation depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional pest control companies will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation.

Spray For Termites

If there is an existing termite infestation, a professional pest control company will be able to spray for termites using liquid insecticides. This treatment can help to kill any currently present and prevent future ones from making an appearance. It is important to not forget about the exterior of your home as well since this is where most of the colonies are usually established. The pest control company will be able to make sure that the whole property is properly treated and monitored for any further infestations.

Bait Systems

A more reliable method of eliminating termites permanently is through bait systems. This involves placing specialized baits around the affected area which contains an insecticide that works slowly over time. The bait works by killing off the existing colony, and then any new ones that might establish themselves in the future will also be affected. This makes it a much more reliable solution for controlling termites than other methods as it can help to prevent new infestations from occurring despite regular monitoring of the area.

What Attracts Termites To A House?

Termites are attracted to moisture, so homes that have leaky pipes or damp foundations can be at risk of attracting an infestation. Dark and warm areas are also attractive to termites, so any spaces that are hard to reach or have limited air circulation should be monitored closely.

Additionally, the presence of wood in the home can attract termites as they use it for food and shelter. Materials such as cardboard, wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials can also be appealing to termites. Any area where these materials accumulate will need extra attention when it comes to inspecting for a possible termite infestation.

Finally, certain climates such as tropical areas and humid regions are prone to higher numbers of termite infestations due to the moist environment. In these areas, homeowners should be extra vigilant and make sure to inspect their homes regularly.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation

Once a termite infestation has been established, there are certain signs that can alert homeowners to the problem. The most common sign of an infestation is frass, which are piles of tiny, sawdust-like particles near entry points for the termites. Other signs include mud tubes on walls and wooden surfaces. Mud tubes are constructed by termites as they move throughout the home, and serve as a protective covering while they travel.

Homeowners should also be on alert for hollow-sounding wood and visible damage to wood structures in the home. Termites feed on wood, and over time can cause significant damage to floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and other wooden structures. Each year termites cause $30 billion of damage to U.S. homes and man-made structures.

If you do find signs of termites, contact a professional pest control company immediately. Professional termite services can detect, control, and prevent infestations.

How To Prevent A Termite Infestation

Preventing a termite infestation is the best way to keep your home structure safe. Homeowners should inspect their homes regularly for signs of an infestation. To prevent a termite infestation you should:

• Remove any cellulose-based materials that could be inviting to termites and make sure there are no leaks or heavy moisture in or around the home.
• Keep mulch away from the foundation of the home.
• Create a barrier of treated wood between soil and any structural lumber can help deter termites.
• Inspect the exterior of your home for mud tubes, swarms, or droppings.
• Trim back bushes and trees around the foundation to reduce moisture buildup.
• Regularly inspect any wooden parts inside your home, such as furniture or flooring boards.

If you notice signs of a possible infestation, it is important to contact an experienced pest control professional immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and provide sound advice on how to proceed with the safest treatment possible.

What Happens If You Leave Termites Untreated?

Leaving termites untreated can lead to severe damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs. Termites feed on cellulose-based material which includes wood, paper, and fabric. As they feed, they can eat away at the foundation of a structure and weaken its structure over time. Additionally, some species of termites produce a pheromone that attracts other termites, meaning the infestation can quickly spread.

Termite treatment is essential to prevent further damage and protect your home from further destruction. The sooner you act, the better. A professional pest control expert will be able to determine the best course of action for a successful treatment plan. A thorough inspection will determine the scope of the infestation and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that can help eliminate any existing colonies and prevent future infestations from occurring.

Contact Anchor Environmental For Termite Control In Charleston

Don’t let termites take over your home. Contact Anchor Environmental for effective and reliable termite control in Charleston, SC. Our team of experienced technicians can apply innovative treatments to eliminate existing colonies and create a barrier to help prevent future infestations from occurring. We look forward to helping you protect your home!

Your home is so much more than just a house. It’s where you should feel the most relaxed, safe, and at peace. But when pests get indoors, your home ceases to be any of those things and instead, becomes a source of stress. With regular and reliable pest control however, you can resolve surprise infestations quickly and even prevent them from happening altogether.

Why Is Pest Control Needed In Charleston

The Charleston weather is hot and humid, which brings in all sorts of bugs. From mosquitoes to roaches, there are plenty of pests to go around. So why do you need home pest control in Charleston? Let’s find out!

DIY Methods Are Not Always Effective

While we here at Anchor Environmental applaud the DIY spirit, home pest control is best left to the pros. Simply put, the average homeowner can’t be expected to have the training and experience that a professional exterminator brings to the job. This can lead to misidentification of harmful pests, improper use of potentially dangerous products, and at the very least, frustratingly ineffectual and inconsistent results.

Health Risks

Did you know that skipping dependable, professional pest control can have both direct and indirect impacts on your health? A few of the leading reasons include:

Diseases

As if a pest infestation wasn’t bad enough already, certain home invaders can expose your loved ones to disease! Rodents are chief among the sickness-spreading pests, carrying diseases like Hantavirus, Typhus, and even Bubonic Plague. However, ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas are also well known for spreading West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Zika Virus, amongst many others. All of this is to say that, when not properly managed, even a small pest infestation can have dramatic consequences for your loved ones’ health and wellbeing.

Allergies

While they don’t get as much attention as pest-borne diseases, the allergies that nuisance pests can trigger are even more common. Cockroaches in particular are a significant source of household allergens and can even trigger asthma. Worse still, children are typically the most susceptible to cockroach allergies. And given that an estimated 63% of American households contain cockroach-related allergen triggers (usually saliva, feces or shed body parts), proper pest control is a must.

Damage To Your Property

Unwanted residential pests don’t only impact your health but can cause serious damage to your home as well. Termites are the most famous example of an insect which can cause significant structural damage to your house. They are directly responsible for more than $5 billion in repair costs each year. Given that most homeowners don’t have the tools or the know-how to detect termites until it’s too late, enlisting the help of an expert can save you some serious money in both the short and long term.

Termites however, aren’t alone when it comes to their ability to harm your home. Rodents, carpenter bees, and carpenter ants are all known to damage wooden fixtures and their activity can be equally challenging to detect.

Keep Your Food and Water Safe

It probably comes as little surprise that invasive pests can contaminate both food and water. After all, most pests come into your home in search of food to begin with. Whether we’re talking about mice and rats (which contaminate an estimated 20% of the global food supply each year), ants, or cockroaches, even properly-stored foodstuffs can be vulnerable. While getting rid of them as quickly as you can will limit the damage pests can do, even a brief infestation can still result in you having to discard hundreds of dollars worth of food. So hiring a professional pest control company to keep them from getting inside to begin with is both the safest and financially-sound option.

Improper use of DIY pest control products can be equally as contaminating to food and water as an infestation. For example, indiscriminately applying an ant spray in and around your kitchen can leave toxic residue on any surfaces the spray touches, leaving both food and beverages unsafe to consume. A properly-trained exterminator however, will follow carefully-laid out procedures to avoid this happening at all and will likely have access to higher-quality and even non-toxic products.

Benefits Of Professional Pest Control In Charleston

So we now know why you shouldn’t attempt to handle pest control on your own. But why should you look to a professional pest control company?

Get Customized Pest Control Treatments

No two pest infestations are exactly alike, a fact that a skilled exterminator working for a quality pest control company will have a thorough understanding of. Having received proper training and bringing years of hands-on experience with them, they’ll be able to create a personalized approach to resolving your home’s infestation. Despite what over-the-counter pest control products would have you believe, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach where bugs are concerned. With a trained professional working for you though, you’ll receive treatments designed to meet your needs every time.

Professionals Can Use The Most Effective Products

We’ve touched on it before but it bears repeating: a professional pest control company simply has access to products that most homeowners do not. The home pest control market is awash with seemingly varied traps and sprays, most of which are just rebranded versions of one another. But a licensed and certified commercial outfit has, for lack of a better way to put it, the good stuff. And if swiftly resolving an infestation is your goal, nothing short of the very best products will do.

Peace Of Mind

There’s no fixed idea of what peace of mind means. However, we’ve never met the homeowner who finds their peace of mind surrounded by nuisance bugs. A pest infestation is never a pleasant experience but having a reliable professional on your side is the quickest and most foolproof way to bring it to a fast conclusion. The sooner you’re back in control of your home, the more relaxed and at peace you’ll feel. That, among so many other things, is what professional pest control can give you.

Contact Anchor Environmental

With more than 30 years of experience to our name, a bevy of awards, accolades, and certification, flexible service, and a dedication to seeing the job through, we at Anchor Environmental are the ideal candidate to get rid of bugs in your home. Better still, you can get started with a free quote when you get in touch with us today! Don’t let bugs stay comfortable in your home for another moment and instead, let your local experts give you back the pest-free home that you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your pest control options.

Bed Bugs in Charleston

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless. A common misconception is that they are not visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs range in size from 1 to 7 mm (.039 to .275 in). Nymphs (juveniles) are translucent or light tan. They must feed on blood at least once every 5 days to survive.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

They are often introduced into homes by people who have been traveling. Bed bugs can hitch a ride in luggage, furniture, and clothing. They can also be brought in by used beds, couches, and other upholstered furniture. Once bed bugs are established in your home, they can spread quickly.

Signs of an Infestation

During the day, bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices, usually in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks in walls, and behind wallpaper. The best way to find bed bugs is to look for the signs of an infestation. These include:

• Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases.
• Dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement on sheets, mattresses, or walls.
• Bed bugs shed their skin, so you may also see shell casings.
• If you are waking up with bites on your body.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

If you think you have bed bugs, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

• Wash all of your bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs or eggs that are in your bedding.
• Vacuum your mattress, box spring, and any other areas where you think bed bugs may be hiding. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag afterward so the bed bugs don’t end up back in your home.
• Use a steamer on your mattress, box spring, and any other areas where you suspect bed bugs are hiding. The heat will kill them.
• Call a professional exterminator to come and treat your home for bed bugs. This is usually the best option, as they will be able to get rid of all the bed bugs in your home and prevent them from coming back.

Palmetto Bugs in Charleston

What Do Palmetto Bugs Look Like?

Palmetto bugs are large, dark-colored roaches that are common in the southern United States. They get their name from their love of palm trees and other tropical plants, but they can also be found in gardens, garages, and homes. Palmetto bugs can be up to 2 inches long and have wings, but they rarely fly.

How Do You Get Palmetto Bugs?

Palmetto bugs usually come into homes through cracks and holes in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will find a dark, moist place to hide during the day and come out at night to search for food.

Signs of an Infestation

The most obvious sign of a palmetto bug infestation is the presence of the insects themselves. You may also see their droppings, which look like small black or brown pellets, or their egg cases, which are dark-colored and have smooth, shiny surfaces.

How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs

The best way to get rid of palmetto bugs is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Repair any cracks or holes in the foundation and seal up any other potential entry points, such as gaps around doors and windows.

You can also reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks, draining standing water, and using a dehumidifier. These measures will make your home less attractive to palmetto bugs and other pests.

Silverfish in Charleston

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silver-gray color and fish-like shape. They have long, antennae and three long “tail” appendages at the back end of their bodies. Adult silverfish are about 1/2 to 1 inch long.

What Attracts SilverFish?

Silverfish are often brought into homes in boxes or bags of infested food or paper products. They can also enter through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they quickly multiply and spread to other areas of the house. Silverfish are attracted to a variety of “foods”, including paper, glue, book bindings, photographs, plaster, and paint. They also enjoy eating cereals, sugar, coffee, rice, and flour.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

To get rid of silverfish, you need to remove their food sources and eliminate the moisture that they thrive in. Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of any items that silverfish might find appealing. Store food in airtight containers, and seal up any cracks or crevices around your home where they might be able to enter. You can also try setting out traps or using diatomaceous earth to kill them. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to call in a professional exterminator.

Carpet Beetles in Charleston

What Do Carpet Beetles Look Like?

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that range in color from brown to black. They have short antennae and can be anywhere from 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch long.

What Do Carpet Beetles Eat?

These pests get their name from their proclivity for feeding on carpets and other fabrics made from natural fibers. Carpet beetles are particularly fond of wool, but they will also feast on cotton, linen, and silk. They are often found in homes with a lot of pet hair, as they will also eat animal fur.

Signs of an Infestation

The most common sign of a carpet beetle infestation is the presence of small, round holes in fabrics. You may also see the insects themselves crawling around on fabric surfaces or on the floor near carpeted areas. Another telltale sign of these pests is the finding of small, oval-shaped feces on or near infested items.

How to Prevent a Carpet Beetle Infestation

The best way to prevent a carpet beetle infestation is to practice good housekeeping. Regularly vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies. This will remove the insects, their eggs, and their larvae. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag after each use to prevent re-infesting your home.

You should also regularly inspect secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing it into your home. Carpet beetles are often brought into the home on these items. If you do find an infestation, you’ll need to carefully clean all affected clothing and fabric items. Items that can’t be cleaned, such as upholstered furniture, may need to be discarded.

Contact a Professional Pest Control Company in Charleston

If you have an infestation of carpet beetles or any other type of insect, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company. The professionals at Anchor Environmental will be able to identify the type of insect and recommend the best course of action for getting rid of them. They will also be able to help prevent future infestations.

For more information about our pest control services in Charleston, SC, contact Anchor Environmental today!