Silverfish – as the name suggests – are metallic silver insects that move fast across surfaces in a swimming motion.
They thrive in highly humid areas such as cupboards and bathrooms (which tend to become steamy and more damp in winter) and feed on just about anything from book pages, wallpaper, clothing and even glue! They damage property by leaving holes in anything they eat.
Where do silverfish live?
Silverfish are mostly found in office buildings, hiding amongst old files of paper and in books that have been sitting unread on old shelves for long periods of time.
They do however spread to our homes by hitching a ride or laying eggs in the creases of bags and clothing that we carry home.
Getting rid of silverfish
Silverfish are a difficult pest to get rid of as they hide away in the smallest of places, like cracked tiles, in floorboards and in clothing cupboards. Once they have found a good source of food, they’re likely to stick around. This is why prevention is key in stopping an infestation before it happens.
Some ways to prevent an infestation:
- Try to reduce moisture in your home/ office. This can be done by repairing leaking water pipes, replacing moldy wood and if possible, have a dehumidifier installed.
- Try to cut off their food supply. Clear out old books and magazines where possible. Alternatively, you can store items in plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
- Seal cracks to eliminate hiding and breeding places.
- Use a vacuum cleaner as a temporary solution.
Thereafter it is recommended that you seek assistance from a professional to help eliminate the pests completely.
