Silverfish Control

Silverfish

WHAT EXACTLY ARE SILVERFISH?

Silverfish and their doppelganger firebrats are insects that can infest a home as they seek moisture. They move in an undulating motion and have long antennae and three antennae-like tails to sense their surroundings. Silverfish are nocturnal and will flee to safe havens, usually cracks and crevices, if they are startled.

Silverfish, though harmless to humans and pets, can cause damage to your belongings as they seek starches to eat.

WHAT DRIVES SILVERFISH?

Silverfish are typically drawn to areas with moisture, so you’ll often find them in a bathroom, basement, or kitchen. They tend to congregate around plumbing fixtures where they can access leaky or condensation-covered pipes. They are known to crawl out of shower and sink drains. They’re also common in humid attics.

Aside from looking for moisture, silverfish will be looking for food, with starches, proteins, and sugars being the most appealing. This diet can be difficult for homeowners because they are known to destroy books, paper, glue, and fabrics while feeding.

ARE SILVERFISH HARMFUL TO HUMAN BEINGS OR PETS?

The silverfish bug does not bite humans or pets and does not spread disease.

Silverfish do not attack humans or pets, but they do feed on the skin cells and hair follicles we shed.

Silverfish allergies affect some people. Because silverfish moult and shed their scales, the particles produced can mix with dust and cause an allergic reaction. According to one study, reducing the number of such allergy-inducing particles is difficult. According to the same study, these allergens are even present in homes where silverfish have not been observed.

HOW DO SILVERFISH APPEAR?

Silverfish are named after their silvery sheen and fish-like movements. They have a carrot-shaped body and two antennae at the top of their head. They also have three tail-like appendages growing from their body’s final segment. Silverfish have a small mouth and do not bite or sting people.

These inch-long pests, like most insects, have six legs and can move quickly when startled. It should be noted, however, that silverfish are only fast on a horizontal surface – they are slow and ineffective climbers. They cannot, in fact, climb up smooth surfaces such as a sink basin or bathtub.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A SILVERFISH
Female silverfish lay eggs that hatch in 19 to 45 days after an unusually complex mating ritual involving dances and chases.

Silverfish nymphs, which are white in colour, mature after three to four months. Silverfish populations can grow quickly due to their high birth rate and rapid reproductive maturation.

Silverfish bugs moult frequently throughout their lives and can live for more than three years.

WHAT DO SILVERFISH CONSUME?

Silverfish will consume protein-rich foods, but carbohydrates in the form of sugars and starches are preferred. They cause the most damage in human dwellings by eating glues and pastes. As a result, wallpaper, book bindings, paper, and boxes are damaged. They are also known to consume a wide range of textiles, including starched cotton, linen, and silk. Silverfish feed on a variety of human foods, including cereals, coffee, powdered sugar, and flour. Silverfish seek starches and sugars from plants in their natural habitat.

Protein is frequently obtained by scavenging food from dead insects. They have even been observed eating other dead or injured silverfish.

Why are silverfish such a nuisance?

They will devour your belongings.
They can be found almost anywhere in your home, but they prefer dark, undisturbed areas like walls, roof areas, and under furniture.
They consume your food! Silverfish are particularly fond of starchy foods such as cereals and grains, as well as the boxes in which these starchy foods are stored.
They spend the day hiding and feeding at night.
They are extremely fast and agile, and can even dislodge their back scales to escape predators!
Silverfish have a lifespan of up to four years.
How to Avoid and Control Silverfish
Inspect all used items brought into your home for pests, including silverfish. Books should be avoided at all costs.
Clothing \sBedding \sFurniture
Keep your books, paper files, and clothing in areas that are bright and well-ventilated.
Keep your home, especially the kitchen, clean.
Store starchy foods in airtight plastic containers to avoid becoming a tempting food source for silverfish.
Remember that items kept in the far corners of cabinets and closets and thus rarely disturbed are a prime target for silverfish to make a home in!

Contact us today to make a appointment from your local pest controller in swindon