Silverfish
More than just a nuisance in homes, Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits and can cause a serious problem in large numbers, causing damage to books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items containing starch or cellulose. Silverfish survive in most environments, but thrive in conditions of high humidity and can often be found in dark, damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements and attics.
Appearance
Silvery-blue or grey in colour.
They have a tapered, tail like appearance.
They are wingless and have 2 slender antennae.
These teardrop-shaped insects measure up to 10mm to 12 mm in length.
Life Cycle
Silverfish reproduction habits vary by species - some species laying a few eggs a day and others laying clusters of 2 to 20 eggs on a daily basis.
Habits
Silverfish eggs are commonly hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate.
They prefer warm, humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens and are especially attracted to paper and damp clothing.
They feed on carbohydrates, especially sugars and starches.
Silverfish are serpentine insects that require damp and humid conditions and thrive in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and other dark, isolated areas. Fixing leaks in pipework, improving ventilation and using dehumidifiers can help discourage silverfish.
Silverfish feed on: Starch, Cellulose and Sugar
They can be found in a variety of common items in households and businesses such as books, wallpaper, paintings, fabrics, carpets, coffee, sugar, pasta and other food debris.
Remove food sources by keeping dust and debris to a minimum and vacuum rarely disturbed areas. In the home, store food in containers with tightly sealed lids.
You can use DIY sprays to tackle isolated incidences of silver fish but large infestations will require the services of a professional pest control company like Peskill.