Identifying and Eradicating Long, Slender Insects

While there are millions of species of insects on the planet, here are four of the most common home invaders with that long, slender body shape.

1. Millipedes

Did the insect you saw seem to have a million tiny, little legs? Did it have a segmented body that was uniform in width? You probably saw a millipede.

These shy insects scurry out of sight quickly, preferring to hide within the deepest, darkest corners of your home. They usually appear in moist basements or crawlspaces. Thankfully, millipedes are not terribly destructive. They won't chew apart your wood, and they're not dangerous.

If you take steps to dry out your home, such as plugging in a dehumidifier and sealing any gaps in foundation walls, the millipedes will often disappear on their own. Move debris, like leaves and grass clippings, away from the base of your home, too.

If this does not get rid of the bugs, a pest control expert can apply insecticides or set millipede traps in the affected areas of your home.

2. Termites

Many homeowners have the misconception that termites are invisible. However, while you will often see the wood damage they cause before you spot the bugs themselves, termites are certainly large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Termites are about the size of a large ant, but with straight waists. Depending on the type of termite and the stage of life it is in, they may or may not have wings.

If you think you saw a termite, look over your home for other signs of a termite infestation, such as:

• Wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it.
• Frass, or termite feces, which look like coffee grounds at the base of the wall.
• Web-like patterns made from mud on wooden surfaces.
  

Never attempt to handle a termite infestation yourself. Time is of the essence, and a pest control service can ensure the bugs are eradicated before any more damage is done.

3. Earwigs

Another long, slender insect is the earwig. Earwigs range in size, but their defining feature is the two pincers on their rear end. Their threatening appearance is mostly a ruse, as they are not poisonous and don't cause serious damage to homes. Nonetheless, they are a nuisance, so you should take the following steps to get rid of them:

• Clean up your landscaping, especially near your foundation.
• Leave several inches between the edge of your mulch and the base of the foundation. (This helps dry out the soil in this area, so earwigs are not as attracted to the area.)
• Make sure your gutters drain away from the home.
• Repair screens and weatherstripping to eliminate possible entry points.
• Aim your outdoor lights away from your home; light scan attract earwigs to your home at night.
  

If the infestation is severe, a pest control company may need to apply insecticides around your foundation or even inside your home.

4. Silverfish

If the insect you saw was blue-gray or silver in color with long antennae and three bristles emerging from its backside, you probably saw a silverfish. These insects are commonly seen in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and other moist areas.

Silverfish can be a real nuisance since they may feed on starchy items like toilet paper, books, and cardboard boxes. Some people are also allergic to silverfish.

Integrated pest management techniques, which combine pesticides with methods to make your home less appealing to silverfish, are often effective. Silverfish reproduce pretty quickly, however, so don't delay seeking help.

Each of these long, slender insects has different habits and presents different risks. If you are still not sure what type of bug you saw, or if you do know what bug is to blame and need help to eradicate them, contact the experts at American Pest Professionals.