How To Get Rid Of Silverfish
Silverfish, also referred to as fishmoths, are small wingless insects that feed on sugar, starches, dextrin in adhesives as well as other polysaccharides/carbohydrates. They get their name from their silver colour and movement that resembles that of a fish. Although these pests can survive in a variety of climates, they prefer dwelling in moist areas such as sinks, showers, attics and bathtubs.
These insects are non-venomous and are not know to bite. Silverfish can, however, cause serious damage when they invade your home. Silverfish will feed on/ cause damage to your books, photos, carpets and clothing made with natural fabrics such as silk and cotton. When facing starvation, these critters can go as far as feeding on leatherwear and synthetic fibres. Silverfish are extremely hardy and can survive for up to 12 months without feeding.
Signs of a silverfish infestation
Because of their swift movements, nocturnal tendencies, and quick reproduction, a silverfish problem can go unnoticed for a long time allowing the infestation to grow exponentially. It is important to stay vigilant to catch infestations early before they get out of hand.
Some of the signs of a silverfish infestation that you will notice include (ref: Pestrol Australia):
• The insect itself. Silverfish are generally nocturnal meaning they don’t come out often during the day. You can, however, spot them scurrying away when you flip on the light in your basement, bathroom, loft and other dark, warm and moist areas of the house. They are teardrop-shaped, silver in colour and have three long bristles at the rear.
• Damage onproperty. Holes in your wallpaper, clothing and items made of paper can also point to a silverfish problem in your home.
• Faecal matter. Silverfish poop which is tiny and pepper-like in appearance can also be an indicator of an infestation in the house.
How to prevent silverfish
The following measures can help you keep these destructive critters out of your home.
1. Eliminate all source of excess moisture. Fix your leaky plumbing, leaky roof, and dry standing water to remove excess moisture in your home as this provides ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive.
2. Dehumidify your house. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control the moisture levels in your home. Install proper ventilation in your bathroom and kitchen to remove moist air when showering and cooking. Attics, basements and other closed rooms should also be well ventilated to prevent moisture build-up.
3. Eliminate food sources. Ensure that all cardboard boxes are stored on shelves where they will not get damp. Food in storage should also be kept in sealed plastic containers instead of boxes. Store the clothes you don’t wear in sealed plastic containers and replace old wallpaper with paint or new wallpaper.
4. Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your house regularly will help you get rid of adult silverfish as well as their eggs.
How to control silverfish
If silverfish have already invaded your house, the most effective way to get rid of them is using a broad-spectrum insecticide. For continuous protection and prevention of a future re-infestation, use an automatic insecticide dispenser that will release the insecticide at set intervals to keep your house protected from silverfish as well as other crawling and flying pest insects.
These insects are non-venomous and are not know to bite. Silverfish can, however, cause serious damage when they invade your home. Silverfish will feed on/ cause damage to your books, photos, carpets and clothing made with natural fabrics such as silk and cotton. When facing starvation, these critters can go as far as feeding on leatherwear and synthetic fibres. Silverfish are extremely hardy and can survive for up to 12 months without feeding.
Signs of a silverfish infestation
Because of their swift movements, nocturnal tendencies, and quick reproduction, a silverfish problem can go unnoticed for a long time allowing the infestation to grow exponentially. It is important to stay vigilant to catch infestations early before they get out of hand.
Some of the signs of a silverfish infestation that you will notice include (ref: Pestrol Australia):
• The insect itself. Silverfish are generally nocturnal meaning they don’t come out often during the day. You can, however, spot them scurrying away when you flip on the light in your basement, bathroom, loft and other dark, warm and moist areas of the house. They are teardrop-shaped, silver in colour and have three long bristles at the rear.
• Damage onproperty. Holes in your wallpaper, clothing and items made of paper can also point to a silverfish problem in your home.
• Faecal matter. Silverfish poop which is tiny and pepper-like in appearance can also be an indicator of an infestation in the house.
How to prevent silverfish
The following measures can help you keep these destructive critters out of your home.
1. Eliminate all source of excess moisture. Fix your leaky plumbing, leaky roof, and dry standing water to remove excess moisture in your home as this provides ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive.
2. Dehumidify your house. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control the moisture levels in your home. Install proper ventilation in your bathroom and kitchen to remove moist air when showering and cooking. Attics, basements and other closed rooms should also be well ventilated to prevent moisture build-up.
3. Eliminate food sources. Ensure that all cardboard boxes are stored on shelves where they will not get damp. Food in storage should also be kept in sealed plastic containers instead of boxes. Store the clothes you don’t wear in sealed plastic containers and replace old wallpaper with paint or new wallpaper.
4. Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your house regularly will help you get rid of adult silverfish as well as their eggs.
How to control silverfish
If silverfish have already invaded your house, the most effective way to get rid of them is using a broad-spectrum insecticide. For continuous protection and prevention of a future re-infestation, use an automatic insecticide dispenser that will release the insecticide at set intervals to keep your house protected from silverfish as well as other crawling and flying pest insects.