Occasional Invader Control
Silverfish, earwigs, centipedes, crickets, and other household invaders find their way indoors seeking moisture, shelter, or warmth. We eliminate them and seal the entry points.
Comprehensive Household Pest Protection
Occasional invaders are a diverse group of pests that enter homes seasonally or when outdoor conditions drive them to seek shelter, moisture, or warmth indoors. While most are not destructive or dangerous, they can be alarming to encounter and indicate entry points that other pests could also exploit. Silverfish and firebrats damage paper, books, and starched fabrics. Centipedes and millipedes seek damp basements and crawl spaces. Box elder bugs and stink bugs invade in large numbers in fall. Crickets chirp loudly at night and can damage fabrics. Our treatment program addresses the full range of occasional invaders with exterior barrier treatments, targeted interior applications, and exclusion work to seal the entry points these pests use.
- Silverfish Treatment
- Earwig & Centipede Control
- Box Elder Bug Exclusion
- Multi-Pest Coverage
Common Occasional Invader Species We Treat
Silverfish
Silver-gray, torpedo-shaped insects that thrive in damp, dark environments. They feed on paper, glue, wallpaper paste, and starched fabrics. They are fast-moving and nocturnal, often found in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
Firebrats
Close relatives of silverfish with a mottled brown appearance. They prefer hot, humid environments and are often found near furnaces, hot water heaters, and ovens. Like silverfish, they feed on starchy materials and paper products.
Earwigs
Dark brown insects with distinctive pincers on their abdomen. Despite their alarming appearance, they are mostly harmless. They are attracted to moisture and organic matter, entering homes through ground-level gaps and often found in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Centipedes
Fast-moving predatory arthropods with many legs. House centipedes feed on other insects and spiders, so their presence often indicates an underlying pest population. They prefer damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
Millipedes
Slow-moving, cylindrical arthropods that curl into a coil when disturbed. They feed on decaying organic matter outdoors and enter homes in large numbers during heavy rains or drought conditions, seeking moisture.
Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs
Small, gray crustaceans (not insects) that roll into a ball when disturbed (pill bugs) or cannot roll up (sow bugs). They require moisture to survive and are found in damp basements, crawl spaces, and around foundation plantings.
Box Elder Bugs
Black and red-orange bugs that congregate on sunny exterior walls in fall before moving indoors to overwinter. They do not cause structural damage or bite but can stain surfaces with their excrement and invade in large numbers.
Clover Mites
Tiny red-brown mites that invade homes in spring and fall, often appearing on windowsills and walls. They do not bite or damage structures but leave red stains when crushed. Large numbers can be alarming.
Crickets
Field crickets and house crickets enter homes seeking warmth, especially in fall. Males chirp loudly at night by rubbing their wings together. They can damage fabrics, paper, and rubber products.
Our Occasional Invader Control Process
Every treatment follows our proven three-step approach to eliminate pests and keep them from coming back.
Inspect
We identify the invading species, locate entry points along the foundation and exterior walls, and assess moisture conditions that attract these pests to your home.
Treat
Exterior barrier treatments around the foundation and entry points create a protective perimeter. Interior treatments target active pest areas including basements, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Species-specific treatments are applied as needed.
Prevent
Exclusion work seals gaps, cracks, and utility penetrations that pests use to enter. Moisture reduction recommendations address the damp conditions these pests seek. Quarterly treatments maintain the protective barrier.
Signs of a Occasional Invader Problem
- Small, fast-moving insects in bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms (silverfish, centipedes)
- Clusters of bugs on sunny exterior walls or windowsills in fall (box elder bugs, stink bugs)
- Insects with pincers found in damp areas (earwigs)
- Tiny red-brown specks on windowsills that leave red stains when wiped (clover mites)
- Chirping sounds at night from hidden corners (crickets)
- Curl-up bugs in the basement or crawl space (pill bugs, millipedes)
Occasional Invader Prevention Tips
Reduce your risk of infestation with these expert recommendations.
Reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
Seal cracks and gaps around your foundation, windows, and doors, and where utility lines enter.
Move mulch, leaf litter, and ground cover at least 12 inches away from your foundation.
Replace exterior white lights with yellow or sodium vapor bulbs that attract fewer insects.
Fix leaking exterior faucets, hose bibs, and gutter downspouts that create moisture near the foundation.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are centipedes dangerous?
House centipedes can deliver a mild bite if handled, but they are not dangerous to humans. They are actually beneficial predators that feed on other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. However, their presence in large numbers usually indicates an underlying pest population that should be addressed.
Why do box elder bugs invade in fall?
Box elder bugs seek warm overwintering sites as temperatures drop in fall. They are attracted to the sunny, south- and west-facing sides of buildings, and enter through gaps in siding, windows, and eaves. Sealing entry points before fall and applying preventive treatments reduces invasion numbers significantly.
Will silverfish damage my books and papers?
Yes, silverfish feed on paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, glue, and starched fabrics. Over time they can cause significant damage to stored papers, books, and photographs, especially in damp, undisturbed areas like basements and attics.
Ready to get started?
Call now and get $50 off pest control.
Call before 2pm and get same-day service.
Call Now and Save