Silverfish Treatment

What are Silverfish

Silverfish are a small, primitive, wingless insect in the order Zygentoma. Its common name derives from the insects silvery light grey colour, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements. They are common household pest that mostly move at night (nocturnal). An adult silverfish have a body length of about 12-19 mm, not including the tail. They have a flattened body and generally covered with scales.

What do Silverfish Eat

Silverfish are not predators and do not eat other insects. They require starches to survive and their bodies need carbohydrates and protein to survive. They are scavengers and live on everything from microscopic mold, cereals and cardboard. they also eat the glue that binds books and wallpaper, all making a good food source. 

Are Silverfish Harmful

Silverfish are not thought to be harmful. There is no scientific evidence either, to suggest they are poisonous or carry any pathogens that cause disease. They do however shed their skins as adults, this process is called “molting” when they do this, they leave behind scales. Some people may be allergic to the dust created by the dropped scales and trigger an allergic reaction.   

Silverfish in Bathroom

We carry out a lot of treatments in poorly ventilated buildings which cause high humidity or damp conditions. The presence of silverfish may also be a sign that there is a larger underlying issue happening. If you are regularly seeing silver fish you should investigate for any leaks or damp as there activity may be a warning that repairs are needed.  

Silverfish thrive in moist, humid environments, so you must take away their favorite conditions. By using a dehumidifier in damp rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms will help the situation. If any leaky pipes are found then get them fixed, this includes the waste stack. It goes without saying to make sure the bathroom is well ventilated.

Silverfish Infestation

As with many pest problems access from the outside may not be restricted. The most common route of entry for small insects such as silverfish may be through the air vents or air bricks. Often areas below floorboards are damp voids which is prime habitat for the silverfish. We therefor highly recommend proofing vents and air bricks to limit access. A tight weave vent cover will stop entry to all insects and pest but allow air flow to continue.

Silverfish like eating and hiding on old papers, magazines, and books, so it is a good place to start looking if you think you might have them. If you find an infestation it is advised that you clear out old news papers and paperwork you don’t want. Any items you don’t want to get rid of should be stored in airtight containers or boxes, especially if the papers are kept in the cellar or loft. The hoover suction bags are good for this also.

Silverfish Treatment

If you suspect you have an infestation, it is key to identify movement and concentrated areas where they have more activity. This might be a good feeding source or breeding ground. By placing insect monitors down with a lure, it helps to identify movement. Place them in places where you’re likely to encounter them, like bookshelves, desk, under the sink, and in the bathroom. Keep the traps where kids and pets can’t get to them as they are sticky.

If you leave the problem then it is very doubtful that it is just going to disappear. If anything it will get worse so you should take action. Numbers will increase and once they get into the fabric of the building it becomes a lot harder to resolve the issue. You may wish to get help of a professional pest controller to help eliminate the infestation. A silverfish treatment may be required to knock down numbers, this will be in the form of a residual chemical insecticide spray.

Firebrat look very similar to silverfish, they are the same size and same shape although the colouring is slightly different. The main difference is a firebrat like warm or hot conditions such airing cupboards.

Pest-Tech Ltd can provide a professional treatment to both commercial and domestic properties that have located a silverfish or firebrat infestation. It is recommended that a silverfish treatment is considered at the early stages of the infestation, as once they are in the cavities of the building it is a lot harder to control.

If you would like to know more about our treatments then please Contact Us.