Pests are a constant annoyance, but there is one that is more elusive than the others: the silverfish. So what the heck are these critters, and how can you prevent an infestation? While silverfish are relatively harmless, they are pretty ugly! They are the epitome of the ‘creepy-crawly’: scuttling long body and plenty of feelers that will make you cringe. Read on to discover what these creatures are, where they come from and most importantly: how to get rid of them! Need a professional? We’ve featured a few Northern Rivers pest control specialists who can give you a hand.
What are silverfish?
Silverfish (lepisma saccharina) is a small, wingless insect and owe its name to its light, silvery grey and blue colour, as well as its fish-like appearance and movement. They like to live in cold, dark and damp places, such as under the washing machine or nooks in the bathroom. They are rarely seen as they prefer to come out at night, however if you do see one don’t be overly alarmed—they may look gross, but they will not harm you, and they do not spread disease or do much damage.
Prevention
Silverfish love to chew on newspapers, book spines, starchy foods and dead skin cells (commonly found in dust). So if you’re an avid book collector, make sure your first editions are safe! To help prevent silverfish from making your home their own, try these few preventative measures:
- Don’t leave piles of mail or newspapers lying around
- Vacuum regularly to minimise their food sources
- Keep dry food in containers sealed with tight lids
- Ensure you keep the bathroom dry by using the exhaust fan or by opening the window to let any steam out
- Seal cracks and crevices around the home to prevent them from entering or laying eggs inside
- Clear your home’s perimeter of damp leaves and other debris
How to get rid of them
While silverfish are not a big threat to your home or health, they are annoying and generally not nice to see every day. If you want to eliminate the silverfish in your home, try laying some sticky traps around the places you’ve seen them. If this doesn’t work, talk to an expert pest controller in your area to eliminate these pests.
Fully qualified and licensed, you can count on Lighthouse Pest Control to get to the bottom of your pest problem. Whether you need a pre-purchase timber pest inspection or require treatment examinations, the team at Lighthouse Pest Control has you covered. Give them a call today to see what they can do for you!
Servicing: Northern Rivers region
Specialising in residential and commercial pest control services, Northern Rivers Pest Control is your go-to expert. Available 7 days a week and offering up to 12-month free service warranties, you can be sure your home will be free from pests such as ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, possums and more. Contact the team at Northern Rivers Pest Control to eliminate those pests once and for all.
Servicing: Northern Rivers region
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WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Where have you found silverfish, and how did you get rid of them? Share your story in the comments below!
