Pest Control Archives | Sawyer Exterminating
Why Am I Seeing Silverfish Indoors?

Why Am I Seeing Silverfish Indoors?

If you’ve been noticing silver-colored, squirmy insects darting across your bathroom floor or hiding in kitchen corners, you’re not alone. Silverfish are a common household pest in North Carolina, especially in dark, damp, and humid spaces. While they don’t bite or sting, their presence can be unsettling, and they may damage books, clothing, wallpaper, and cardboard over time.

Understanding why silverfish invade and how to manage their presence is key to keeping your North Carolina home pest-free. This guide breaks down the common causes and offers practical tips — including eco-friendly options — to prevent and control them the healthier way.

Understanding Silverfish

Why Silverfish Are Common Indoors

North Carolina’s warm, humid climate makes it a hotspot for silverfish activity, particularly in homes that provide moisture and shelter. Here’s why you might be seeing these pests indoors.

1. Humidity and Moisture

Silverfish are attracted to high humidity levels, especially above 70 percent. That’s why they often appear in:

  • Bathrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Kitchens
  • Basements

These spaces stay damp and offer ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive year-round.

2. Dark, Undisturbed Areas

Silverfish prefer to hide where they won’t be disturbed. You’re most likely to find them:

  • Behind baseboards and under sinks
  • In storage boxes filled with paper or fabric
  • Inside attics, especially around insulation
  • Around old books or wallpaper

3. Access to Food Sources

Silverfish eat starches, proteins, and sugary residues, often found in:

  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Wallpaper glue
  • Fabric and clothing
  • Pantry crumbs

Their diet makes cluttered or paper-filled areas especially vulnerable.

4. Seasonal Activity

Silverfish are active throughout the year in North Carolina. However, rainfall and seasonal temperature shifts can push them indoors in search of more stable, humid environments.

How to Manage Silverfish Naturally

The good news? You don’t need to rely on harsh chemicals to get silverfish under control. These earth-friendly, low-impact methods can reduce pests while keeping your family, and the planet — healthy

1. Reduce Humidity Indoors

The most effective way to make your home less inviting to silverfish is to reduce moisture.

  • Use energy-efficient dehumidifiers in rooms that stay damp
  • Ventilate with ceiling fans or open windows when possible instead of relying solely on HVAC
  • Fix leaky pipes or faucets to prevent mold, mildew, and pest activity

2. Declutter and Clean Regularly

Removing clutter limits the hiding spots and food sources silverfish rely on.

  • Store books and seasonal clothing in airtight containers made from recyclable or reusable plastic
  • Vacuum carpets and corners regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum to minimize allergens and eggs
  • Recycle newspapers and cardboard frequently instead of letting them pile up
  • Use natural cleaning products made with vinegar or citrus to help repel pests

3. Block Entry Points

Stopping silverfish before they get inside is one of the most effective (and eco-conscious) solutions.

  • Seal cracks and crevices using low-VOC caulk or weatherstripping
  • Install mesh screens over vents and drains that could serve as access points
  • Add natural insulation like cellulose to attics and crawl spaces to deter pest movement

4. Use Natural Deterrents

Silverfish dislike certain natural scents and materials. Try:

  • Sachets of lavender, cedar, cloves, or bay leaves in drawers and closets
  • Food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards or behind appliances — safe for pets and people but deadly to insects
  • Essential oil sprays made with peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus (test a small surface first)
  • Sticky traps made from recycled materials to monitor infestations without chemicals

When to Call a Professional

If eco-friendly steps haven’t solved the problem or if the infestation seems to grow, it’s time to bring in a pest control professional. Many North Carolina pest control providers now offer green pest control solutions that use targeted treatments with minimal environmental impact.

Keep Silverfish Out for Good

Silverfish are persistent, but they don’t have to take over your home. With smart prevention habits, humidity control, and eco-conscious deterrents, you can create a cleaner, greener home that’s less attractive to pests. Whether you prefer DIY methods or want help from a green-certified pest control pro, the path to a silverfish-free home starts with understanding what they need to survive, and removing it.

How to Keep Flies Out of Your North Carolina Home: Simple Prevention Tips

How to Keep Flies Out of Your North Carolina Home: Simple Prevention Tips

Flies are more than just a buzzing nuisance—they can spread germs and interrupt your daily comfort. North Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for flies to thrive, especially in the spring and summer. The good news? With a few practical steps, you can prevent them from taking over your space. Here are straightforward prevention tips to help keep flies out of your North Carolina home.

Keep Flies Out Of Your North Carolina Home

Why Flies Are a Common Problem in North Carolina

North Carolina’s heat and humidity accelerate fly reproduction, making infestations more likely during warmer months. Outdoor activities like grilling, gardening, and composting increase the chance of fly exposure, especially when food or waste is involved.

5 Ways to Keep Flies Out Of Your Home

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Flies are drawn to smells, moisture, and food sources. Reducing attractants is the first line of defense.

  • Cover food and drinks
    • Keep food covered during preparation and mealtime
    • Store leftovers in sealed containers
  • Take out the trash regularly
    • Use bins with tight-fitting lids
    • Clean garbage cans periodically to remove residue
  • Clean drains and sinks
    • Flush kitchen and bathroom drains with baking soda and vinegar
    • Avoid letting food particles or debris sit in the sink

2. Seal All Entry Points

Small gaps in your home can become open doors for flies. A few quick checks can reduce entry opportunities.

  • Inspect and repair window screens
    • Patch tears or replace damaged mesh
  • Seal gaps and cracks
    • Apply caulk or weather stripping around windows, doors, and vents
  • Add door sweeps
    • Install sweeps under exterior doors to close off gaps at floor level

3. Use Household Fly Repellents

You can make your home less appealing to flies using items already in your pantry or cabinets.

  • Essential oil spray
    • Combine peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella oil with water
    • Spray around windows, counters, and doorways
  • Herb sachets
    • Use dried basil, cloves, or lavender in small breathable bags
    • Place in kitchen corners or near trash bins
  • Apple cider vinegar trap
    • Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap
    • Leave it on the counter to attract and trap fruit flies

4. Maintain Your Yard

Your outdoor environment plays a major role in keeping flies away from your home’s entrance.

  • Keep grass and shrubs trimmed
    • Eliminate overgrown areas that trap moisture
  • Manage compost and pet waste
    • Use sealed compost bins
    • Clean up pet waste promptly
  • Remove standing water
    • Check birdbaths, buckets, and clogged gutters regularly
    • Drain or refresh any water sources that collect in your yard

5. Add Barriers and Traps Outdoors

Preventing flies from gathering around your porch or patio helps reduce the number trying to come inside.

  • Hang fly strips
    • Place around doorways and outdoor eating areas
  • Use outdoor fans
    • Flies struggle to fly in strong breezes
    • Use fans on patios or porches to create airflow
  • Install screen enclosures
    • Consider screened porches or deck areas to enjoy being outside without inviting pests in

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Sometimes, even the best prevention efforts aren’t enough to keep flies out. If you’re experiencing:

  • Frequent indoor fly sightings
  • Signs of breeding (clusters of flies or larvae)
  • Ongoing issues despite your efforts

…it may be time to bring in a professional. Reach out to a local pest control provider in North Carolina who can assess the situation and recommend a targeted solution based on your home’s needs.

A Quick Recap

To help prevent flies in and around your North Carolina home:

  • Keep food covered and your kitchen clean
  • Seal up cracks, windows, and door gaps
  • Use common household ingredients to deter flies
  • Maintain your yard and eliminate breeding zones
  • Set up traps and barriers to reduce fly activity outdoors

If flies continue to be a problem despite your efforts, call your local pest control team for expert support.

Pest Control Near You: What To Expect From Local Experts in Burlington

Pest Control Near You: What To Expect From Local Experts in Burlington

If you’ve ever found ants marching across your kitchen counters, roaches hiding in your cabinets, or spiders creeping through your garage, you’re not alone. Pest problems are common in Burlington, NC—especially during our warm and humid months. That’s why finding pest control near you is essential to keeping your home safe, clean, and comfortable year-round.

Here’s what you can expect when working with local pest control experts in Burlington—and why choosing a trusted pest control company close to home makes all the difference.

Why Choose Local Pest Control in Burlington, NC?

When it comes to pest control in Burlington, NC, working with local professionals gives you a big advantage. Local pest control technicians understand the unique pests that affect homes in our region—whether it’s seasonal ant invasions, mosquito problems, rodent infestations, or termite threats.

Because they live and work in the same area, local exterminators can respond quickly to calls and often provide more personalized service. They’re also more familiar with the local climate, soil conditions, and pest behavior—meaning they can tailor their pest control services to what your home truly needs.

What Services Do Local Pest Control Companies Offer?

Most professional companies offer a wide range of pest control services to treat and prevent infestations. Here are some common ones you can expect:

1. Inspection and Evaluation

Every effective treatment starts with a thorough inspection. Local experts will assess your home inside and out—checking for signs of pests, entry points, moisture problems, and nesting areas. Then, they’ll recommend a treatment plan customized to your needs.

2. Treatment Plans

Depending on your pest issue, technicians may use sprays, baits, dusts, or eco-friendly options to treat your home. Common services include:

These treatments are designed not just to eliminate pests but also to protect your home from future invasions.

3. Follow-Up Services

A good pest control company won’t treat and run. Follow-up visits help ensure the problem is resolved and allow technicians to adjust treatment plans if pests return. Many companies also offer monthly, quarterly, or seasonal services for ongoing protection.

What To Expect During Your First Appointment

Hiring exterminator services near you should be a stress-free experience. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable technicians who arrive on time

  • A detailed inspection of your home and surrounding property

  • Clear explanations of any pest issues found

  • Honest recommendations and a plan to treat your home

  • Answers to your questions and tips for preventing future infestations

Many companies also offer free estimates, so you can understand your options without any pressure.

Why Professional Pest Control Matters

You may be tempted to handle pest issues on your own, but DIY solutions often only address surface-level problems. Professional pest control services get to the root of the issue—eliminating pests at all life stages, blocking access points, and providing ongoing monitoring.

Plus, using a local pest control company means faster service, better support, and someone who genuinely cares about helping your family feel comfortable at home.

Call The Experts in Burlington Today

Pests don’t wait—and neither should you. If you’re dealing with ants, roaches, rodents, or anything in between, don’t leave your home unprotected. Contact a trusted provider of pest control near you in Burlington, NC, to get fast, reliable help.

Whether you need a one-time treatment or year-round pest protection, local experts are ready to treat your home, eliminate the problem, and help you reclaim your peace of mind.

Ready to protect your home from unwanted pests? Call us today or click the button below for a free estimate and expert pest control in Burlington, NC. Let’s take care of your pest problems—so you can get back to enjoying your home.

How to Prevent Ticks in North Carolina: Get Professional Help for a Protected Home

How to Prevent Ticks in North Carolina: Get Professional Help for a Protected Home

Ticks are more than just an outdoor nuisance in North Carolina. These tiny parasites can carry serious diseases, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making them a health concern for both families and pets. With the region’s warm, humid climate, ticks thrive year-round, so proactive prevention is key to staying protected. While there are steps you can take to reduce ticks in your yard and home, nothing beats the expertise of a professional pest control company. With customized solutions and specialized treatments, pest control experts can effectively protect your property from ticks. Here’s how you can partner with a pest control company while staying proactive at home to prevent ticks in North Carolina.

A Guide to Prevent Ticks in North Carolina

The Case for Professional Tick Control

Getting rid of ticks often requires more than just mowing your lawn or applying DIY remedies. Here’s why hiring a pest control company is often your best defense.

Expertise Tailored to Your Property

Pest control professionals understand tick behavior and their specific hotspots in North Carolina. They’ll assess your property for common breeding grounds, like tall grass, wooded areas, and shaded spots, and provide treatments tailored to your home’s needs to help you prevent ticks in North Carolina.

Effective, Long-Term Solutions

Store-bought repellents and DIY sprays can manage ticks temporarily, but professional treatments go deeper. Pest control companies use proven products and methods, such as perimeter sprays and tick barriers, designed to reduce tick populations over the long term.

Protect Your Family and Pets

Ticks are a health hazard, and even a single bite can pose risks. Professional pest services provide comprehensive solutions that eliminate the threat of ticks without compromising the well-being of your loved ones.

Save Time and Stress

Instead of spending countless hours trying to identify and manage tick issues, you can leave it to the experts. Pest control companies not only save you time but also provide peace of mind by ensuring the problem is handled securely and effectively.

Steps You Can Take to Support Tick Prevention

Even with professional pest control services, there are actions you can take to make your home and yard less inviting to ticks.

Yard Maintenance

A well-maintained yard reduces tick habitats and makes professional treatments even more effective.

  • Trim Grass and Shrubs: Ticks prefer tall grass and overgrown vegetation for shade and moisture. Keeping your yard tidy deprives them of these hiding spots.
  • Clear Debris: Piles of leaves, brush, and wood are perfect nesting areas for ticks. Remove any clutter to deny them a home.
  • Create a Barrier: Install a 3-foot mulch or gravel perimeter around your yard to separate recreational areas from wooded zones. Ticks are less likely to cross these barriers.

Personal Protection

When spending time outdoors, take simple precautions to keep ticks off yourself and your family.

  • Dress Strategically: Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Long sleeves and pants tucked into socks are highly effective.
  • Use Repellents: Apply EPA-approved repellents, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, to exposed skin and clothing.
  • Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, inspect yourself and your children for ticks, especially in common hiding spots like behind the knees, underarms, and along the hairline.

Pet

Ticks are a common issue for pets, particularly dogs and outdoor cats. Keep them protected by adopting these measures:

  • Use Preventive Medications: Ask your vet about oral or topical flea and tick products that kill ticks before they can cause harm.
  • Check for Ticks Daily: After outdoor play, inspect your pet’s fur, ears, and between their toes for ticks.
  • Keep Outdoor Areas Tidy: Provide shaded, clean spaces for your pets to relax in tick-free zones.

What to Expect from Professional Tick Treatments

When you partner with a professional pest control company for tick prevention in North Carolina, you gain access to advanced methods designed for total protection.

Yard Treatments

Eco-friendly sprays applied to the perimeter and foliage of your yard target tick breeding areas without harming beneficial insects or plants. These treatments drastically reduce tick populations while keeping your property healthy for kids and pets.

Tick Barriers

Some pest control providers offer physical barriers, such as targeted mulch or fencing, to further reduce ticks migrating into your yard from wooded or overgrown areas.

Ongoing Monitoring

Many pest control companies offer year-round plans that include routine inspections and treatments, ensuring your home stays tick-free no matter the season. With expert monitoring, tick populations won’t get the chance to grow unnoticed.

A Healthier Home Starts Here

Keeping your home tick-free is essential for your family’s protection and health, and professional pest control services provide the most reliable, long-term protection. By combining your own prevention steps with expert solutions, you’ll create an environment that ticks simply can’t thrive in.

Don’t wait until ticks become a problem. Reach out to a trusted pest control company today to protect your loved ones and enjoy North Carolina’s beauty without the worry of ticks. Investing in professional tick prevention is the best way to ensure your home stays a healthier, more comfortable place year-round! Contact a pest control company near you today to get started and prevent ticks in North Carolina.

The Top 5 Ways to Prevent Fly Infestations in North Carolina Homes

The Top 5 Ways to Prevent Fly Infestations in North Carolina Homes

North Carolina’s warm, humid climate often invites flies into homes, creating a frustrating problem. Thankfully, you can significantly reduce the risk of fly infestations with these five practical steps.

Preventing Fly Infestations

1. Keep It Clean

Flies are drawn to food and waste, so maintaining cleanliness is crucial.

  • Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills promptly.
  • Dispose of trash frequently and use bins with tight lids.
  • Wash dishes right after use or load them into the dishwasher.

2. Seal Entry Points

Flies can slip through even the smallest cracks.

  • Fix damaged screens and weatherproof doors and windows.
  • Seal gaps and cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations using caulk.

3. Manage Outdoor Areas

Outdoor breeding grounds often lead to indoor fly issues.

  • Secure trash bins and keep them away from windows or doors.
  • Clear leaves, grass, and organic debris from your yard.
  • Pick up pet waste regularly to limit attractants.

4. Reduce Attractants

Target what draws flies in to make your home less inviting.

  • Store food in sealed containers and keep ripe fruit refrigerated.
  • Clean out drains where flies can breed.
  • Use yellow-tinted bulbs for outdoor lighting, which are less appealing to flies.

5. Use Preventative Options

When flies persist, add extra measures to stop them.

  • Place fly traps indoors and outdoors to reduce their presence.
  • Set up fans near entry points; the breeze deters flies.
  • Reach out to pest control professionals if problems persist for long-term solutions.

A Fly-Free Home

By combining cleanliness, proper sealing, and proactive outdoor maintenance, you can create an environment that flies find hard to thrive in. Take these steps to keep your home more comfortable and pest-free! Reach out to your local pest control company for expert tips.

Call us or click the button below to get started with a FREE pest control quote!

Preventing Wasp and Hornet Nests Around Your North Carolina Home

Preventing Wasp and Hornet Nests Around Your North Carolina Home

Wasps and hornets can become a major problem when their nests appear near your home. These stinging insects not only pose risks to your family’s well-being but can also grow aggressive when disturbed. To prevent nests from forming, a proactive approach using effective pest control methods is key. Here are some practical tips to keep wasps and hornets away.

Keeping Wasps and Hornets Away

Keep Your Yard Clean and Maintained

Wasps and hornets are drawn to messy, overgrown outdoor spaces. By eliminating clutter and potential food sources, you make your home a less appealing target.

  • Trim Overgrown Areas
    Regularly cut back shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation where wasps may hide and build nests.
  • Remove Trash and Leftovers
    Outdoor trash bins should have tight-fitting lids, and any food scraps or spills should be cleaned up immediately in outdoor eating areas.
  • Fix Standing Water Issues
    Empty water sources like bird baths, plant trays, and kiddie pools to prevent wasps from using them as hydration spots. 
  • Spray Repellents
    Apply insect repellents to popular nesting locations such as under eaves, sheds, or in cracks around your home. Many sprays offer long-lasting protection.
  • Residual Treatments
    Some pest control sprays or powders can be applied to potential nesting areas, creating a barrier that deters wasps from settling. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for healthy se around pets and children.

Call Professional Pest Control Services

If wasps and hornets remain a persistent issue or large nests appear near your home, it’s best to seek professional help.

  • Expert Solutions
    Pest control experts have the tools, training, and insecticides needed to correctly and thoroughly remove nests.
  • Preventative Measures
    Many professionals offer ongoing prevention plans to keep wasps and hornets from coming back.

Protecting Your Home

Removing food sources and addressing nests early all reduce the likelihood of dealing with wasps and hornets in your North Carolina home. If the problem persists or feels overwhelming, contacting a pest control professional can save you time and effort. By acting quickly and using effective methods, you can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable home environment.

Call us today or click the button below for a FREE pest control quote!

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