Key Features:
The silverfish is a cigar-shaped, silver-grey, wingless insect about 12mm long, found in damp areas of kitchens and bathrooms. Nocturnal in habit, it is often trapped in baths, basins or chinaware as it cannot climb the smooth surfaces.

Biology:
The silverfish moves quickly and has three long bristles at the tail end. Occasionally it damages paper but it feeds on residues or starchy substances such as glues, wallpaper paste and carbohydrate food debris.

The eggs are laid in cracks and crevices and the nymphs grow by an indefinite number of moults. Adults can live for over three years. An interesting characteristic is that they can grow a new leg if they lose one.

A closely related species, the Firebrat, is flatter and speckled, without the metallic appearance, and favours hot, dry situations, but can still be destroyed in the same way as its cousin.

Distribution:
Silverfish are very common, usually choosing to live outside under rocks, in ant colonies or birds’ nests. However, small infestations are common indoors, although householders very often never notice them.

Significance:
Silverfish feed on and can cause damage to cereals and non-food items such as paste, paper, starch in clothes and rayon fabrics. An infestation may also indicate damp conditions which need attention.

Control:
A large infestation indicates that silverfish have been present for some time. Simply removing food sources will not be enough to clear an infestation, as silverfish can go up to a year without food.

Residual insecticides can be effective in controlling silverfish populations.

If you have a problem with silver fish, Safeguard can help you! Contact us today for more information.