Silverfish - Characteristic and Facts
Silverfish is a small wingless insect. Its name derives from the insect`s silvery light grey colour, combined with its fish-like appearance on its movement. Silverfish can reach up to 1inn long. The newly hatched silverfish are whitish but after they develop the metallic shine as they get older. A female silverfish lays less than 100 eggs in her lifetime. The normal lifespan of the silverfish is between two and eight years. Silverfish are typically seen in moist, humid areas in the home like bathrooms, kitchens, attics and basements. They prefer areas of room temperature 21 - 29 Degrees and with humidity of 70-80 per cent. As a matter of fact, shake roofs are perfect breeding places, as they have plenty of moisture, cellulose and dead insects. From there, silverfish can easily gain access to your home. Silverfish are having very destructive feeding habits. They usually feed on papers, clothing and food items, such as flour and oats. Silverfish prefer proteins to carbohydrates and also they are cannibalistic - one of their favourite protein meals includes dead or injured of their kind.
How Did I get Silverfish?
These insects are hitchhikers just as bed bugs. You can find them hiding into books, furniture, boxes and clothing and get carried into your property and into your house. They can also get in through cracks and crevice in the walls.
Silverfish Infestation Signs
Most common sign for silverfish infestation is seeing one crawling in your bathroom or kitchen. You may also notice shredded skin, yellow stains on your clothes, holes in your books and newspapers that are accompanied by their faeces.
Silverfish Infestation Signs
Most common sign for silverfish infestation is seeing one crawling in your bathroom or kitchen. You may also notice shredded skin, yellow stains on your clothes, holes in your books and newspapers that are accompanied by their faeces.
Silverfish Prevention And How To Get Rid Of Them
Silverfish can survive in almost any environment, but they prefer high humidity areas. A nymph can develop fast in areas that are humid. One of the best ways to prevent silverfish infestation is to control the humidity.
- Open vents in crawl spaces
- Get a dehumidifier for your home
- Eliminate or repair any mouldy or wet wood
- Don't keep old magazines and books in areas that silverfish usually lives like basement, attics and garages
There are a few natural methods you can try to get rid of a silverfish infestation.
The first thing you can do is to apply lavender and lemon essential oils around places that are likely to attract silverfish such as under the sink and cupboards. You can also spread cedar shavings around those areas you want to keep these insects away.
The first thing you can do is to apply lavender and lemon essential oils around places that are likely to attract silverfish such as under the sink and cupboards. You can also spread cedar shavings around those areas you want to keep these insects away.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Silverfish are considered household pests, due to their destruction of property. However, they are also responsible for food contamination and other types of damages, fortunately, the silverfish don't transmit any diseases.
What Archers Do?
Most do-it-yourself methods and traps are not effective in long terms, professional pest extermination is often necessary. The experts from Archers Pest Control have the right equipment and knowledge to save you time and efforts when dealing with the silverfish infestation. Since every home or business is different, your technician will design a unique treatment for your situation.
