Occasional Invaders
Earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and other occasional invaders thrive in damp areas of Maine homes.
About Occasional Invaders in Central Maine
A variety of moisture-loving pests occasionally make their way into Central Maine homes, especially during wet weather or seasonal changes. Earwigs are recognizable by their forceps-like pincers and prefer damp, dark hiding spots. Silverfish are fast-moving, silvery insects that feed on starchy materials including paper, book bindings, and wallpaper paste. House centipedes are long-legged, fast-running predators that actually eat other pests but are unsettling to find in a bathroom. Millipedes curl into a coil when disturbed and sometimes invade basements in large numbers during heavy rain. Pill bugs (roly-polies) and sowbugs are crustaceans that need moisture to survive and often enter through foundation cracks. Controlling moisture and sealing entry points is key to managing all of these pests.
Signs of Occasional Invaders
- Seeing earwigs, silverfish, or centipedes in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens
- Damage to books, wallpaper, or stored paper products (silverfish)
- Millipedes congregating near foundation walls or in window wells
- Damp or humid conditions in crawl spaces and basements
- Earwigs in potted plants, under mulch, or in garden debris brought indoors
Prevention Tips
- Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to reduce moisture
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and condensation issues
- Seal cracks in the foundation and around basement windows
- Move mulch, leaf litter, and firewood away from the foundation
- Improve drainage around the perimeter of the home
- Ventilate bathrooms and crawl spaces properly
Did You Know?
- 1.House centipedes can live for 3–7 years and have 15 pairs of legs
- 2.Silverfish have been around for over 400 million years — older than dinosaurs
- 3.Earwig pincers are used for defense and courtship, not for burrowing into ears (that's a myth)
Need Help With Occasional Invaders?
Our general pest control service targets occasional invaders at the source. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
