Pests
Extermination
Silverfish
Silverfish are flat insects with no wings that have two long and slender antennae on their heads. They have three long, rigid hairs on the end of their streamlined bodies. These insects are 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) long when they reach the adult stage. The young ones are miniature versions of the adults. Their eggs are white and oval-shaped; they are about 1 mm (1/32 inch) long.
Silverfish are covered in shiny silver scales; they are uniformly coloured while the firebrat (insect similar to the silverfish) is grayish and has darker gray dots.
Development and Behaviours
From the age of three months, females may lay from ten to one hundred eggs in cracks, crevices, and even out in the open. When the young are born, which is 20 to 40 days after they are laid, they look like their parents, only much smaller.
Silverfish are nocturnal insects that can live up to four years. They may be found anywhere in the house, although they do prefer to live in cool, damp (between 75% and 95% relative humidity) places. These insects follow the pipes from damp basements to go up to the rooms on the main floor, where they hide on shelves, in closets, under baseboards, and behind window and door frames.
They are resistant and may survive for many years without eating. Silverfish and firebrats are harmless to humans and animals. They are undesirable due to their appearance. These insects are scavengers; they feed on food crumbs, dead insects, starch, glue, and wallpaper, as well as other paper-based products. They can stain fabric, paper, books, and wallpaper. The damages may be significant if a large infestation has been taking place for a certain amount of time.
Prevention
Cleanliness is the essential component of any effective program to fight against silverfish and firebrats, as well as any other crawling insects.
Here are some tips to follow in order to prevent an infestation:
- Vacuum regularly to get rid of eggs and food sources.?
- Keep counters, cupboards, drawers, and pantries clean, as well as the spaces around and behind appliances and machines. ?
- Make sure to clean out the areas under sinks as well as other dark and damp locations.?
- Cover or insulate pipes on which there may be condensation, ventilate bathrooms and dehumidify rooms that have high humidity.?
Recommendations
Here are some tips to follow in order to permanently get rid of silverfish:
- Make sure that there is no leakage or humidity problem in your home. Pay special attention to damp and dark places such as kitchens and bathrooms, basements or attics.?
- Move your furniture. It is recommended to perform a thorough cleaning from time to time in order to prevent the reproduction of these insects.?
- Cleaning and more cleaning. It is necessary to regularly clean your property, especially if you live indoors, in a dark accommodation with poor ventilation.?
- Seal any cracks in walls, corners, door frames or overhead lights. To do this, try using cement or any other material that is not silicone (they love it!)?
- Make homemade silverfish traps. In order to catch silverfish, you can put food crumbs in a glass jar covered with tape.?
- Contact an extermination company!?
Do not hesitate to contact Vextermination for all your silverfish control or pest control needs. We will get rid of your infestation quickly and efficiently so that you can regain your peace of mind.