Occasional Invader Identification & Prevention

What are occasional invaders?

Some pests have adapted to living indoors with people, some spending their entire lives within the walls of our homes or other structures. However, other pests only sometimes invade our structures, either accidentally or because harsh weather conditions have driven them inside. Those pests are called occasional invaders. Three of the most common occasional invaders that property owners in our area deal with are:

1. Earwigs: Earwigs are insects with elongated, flattened bodies and pincers extending from their hind ends.
2. Millipedes: Millipedes have segmented worm-like bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment. 
3. Silverfish: Silverfish have tear-drop-shaped bodies covered in metallic scales, long antennae and move quickly using wriggling fish-like movements.

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

Occasional invaders themselves are not usually a huge threat to people or properties. However, their presence in your home should serve as a warning. If occasional invaders have found a way into your house, there are structural gaps that will allow other pests inside, too — potentially dangerous pests.

Also, since occasional invaders have high moisture needs, their presence around your home indicates that there are likely moisture issues present that can create structural damage and cause health risks.

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Occasional invaders become a problem in our homes because the environment inside better suits their needs than the environment outside. When temperatures become too hot, or the soil becomes too dry, occasional invaders will migrate. Homes with poor ventilation, leaky pipes, and poor drainage attract occasional invaders and provide them with a suitable place to call home.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

Outside, occasional invaders like to live in the damp soil under mulch, gardens, rocks, landscaping ties, garbage cans, and woodpiles. Since the perimeter of our homes often provides the damp soil these pests enjoy, it makes it easy for them to find their way into our homes. Common entry points include gaps under doors and cracks in the foundation. We can also accidentally bring occasional invaders inside in things like planted pots, boxes, and on firewood.

Once inside, they migrate to damp areas to ensure their survival, such as kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms. Some of their favorite hangouts include the cabinets under sinks, closets, folded linens, boxes, and behind washers, sinks, and tubs.

How do I get rid of occasional invaders?

Eliminate occasional invaders from your home and prevent them from returning in the future with the help of the pest control experts in New Braunfels at Gold Star Exterminators. Since 1979 our customers have trusted us to solve their pest problems. We always have and always will deliver prompt pest control services that are reasonable in price. Our professionals take ownership and pride in their work to ensure we provide our customers with top-notch services. To learn more about our year-round home pest services and determine which one is the best option for you and your property, give Gold Star Exterminators a call today!

How can I prevent occasional invaders in the future?

Take advantage of the following tips to help keep occasional invaders out off your Texas property.

• Seal cracks or gaps in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your property to take away their most used entry points.
• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Place mesh screen over vents leading into your home.
• Place weatherstripping around exterior windows and doors and make sure screens are intact.
• Cut shrubs and bushes back away from your house to keep the soil around the perimeter of your home dry and less attractive to occasional invaders. 
• Make your home less attractive to occasional invaders by reducing humidity levels your home using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and vent fans.

Helpful Occasional Invader Articles

• Silverfish In New Braunfels Can Be A Huge Problem
• Centipedes In New Braunfels: The Best Way To Keep Them Away