How To Get Rid Of Bristletails

Bristletails are primitive, wingless insects that prefer dark, damp, and undisturbed environments such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls. While they’re not harmful to humans, pets, or structures, their presence can be unsettling, and large populations may indicate excessive moisture or decaying organic material in your home or business. Getting rid of them effectively requires a mix of environmental control, sanitation, and targeted treatments. Here’s how homeowners and business owners can eliminate bristletails on their own:

Reduce Moisture

Bristletails thrive in damp environments. The first step in controlling them is eliminating the conditions they need to survive.

Use dehumidifiers in basements, attics, and storage areas.
Fix any leaky pipes, faucets, or roof leaks.
Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces.
Use weatherstripping and caulking to prevent humid air from entering through gaps and cracks.

Eliminate Food Sources

Bristletails feed on starchy or organic materials such as paper, glue, fabrics, book bindings, dead insects, and mold.

Store paper goods, fabrics, and cardboard boxes in airtight plastic containers.
Vacuum regularly, especially in corners, under furniture, and along baseboards.
Remove clutter to reduce hiding spots.
Address mold or mildew growth, which can provide both food and moisture.

Seal Entry Points

Preventing new bristletails from entering your structure is essential.

Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, utility lines, and the foundation.
Replace damaged screens and door sweeps.
Use silicone-based caulk to close gaps around baseboards and plumbing fixtures.

Apply Natural or Chemical Treatments

If the infestation is moderate, a combination of natural and targeted chemical solutions can help.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be dusted in cracks, crevices, and along baseboards. It dehydrates insects on contact.
Boric acid powder or bait can be effective when applied to bristletail activity areas.
Insecticide dusts or sprays labeled for crawling insects may be used in voids, wall gaps, and behind appliances—always following label instructions carefully.
For a more natural option, essential oils like cedarwood or clove oil may help repel them, though these are less effective for large populations.

Monitor and Maintain

Use sticky traps in dark, humid areas to monitor activity and gauge progress.
Continue controlling moisture and cleaning regularly to prevent reinfestation.
Periodically inspect stored items, attic insulation, and crawl spaces.

While DIY control can be effective for light infestations, persistent or widespread bristletail activity often signals an underlying moisture or structural issue that may require our professional inspection.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Bristletails

While home and business owners can take steps to manage small bristletail populations on their own, our professional pest control offers a far more thorough, long-term solution. Bristletails are elusive, often hiding deep in cracks, crevices, and structural voids where DIY treatments cannot reach. Our pest control experts use specialized tools, moisture-detection equipment, and professional-grade products designed to target infestations at their source.

Our professionals don’t just treat the surface problem—we identify and address the underlying causes that attract bristletails, such as excess humidity, decaying materials, or structural vulnerabilities. We can provide detailed recommendations for long-term prevention, such as improved ventilation, insulation, and moisture barriers, to make your property less hospitable to these pests.

In addition, our pest management specialists are trained to apply insecticides safely and precisely, minimizing risk to occupants, pets, and the environment while maximizing effectiveness. We can also establish ongoing monitoring programs to ensure that bristletails—and other moisture-loving pests like silverfish or earwigs—don’t return.

Ultimately, our professional pest control saves time, frustration, and the cost of repeated DIY treatments by delivering lasting protection and peace of mind.

Get Rid Of Bristletails With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!