Being very similar to cockroaches, they are small wingless insects that wriggle as they move. As they are rarely seen during daylight hours and have long life spans, it’s very difficult to get rid of silverfish.
Some interesting facts:
Easily identified by their bodies covered entirely in shiny, silver scales. They measure around half an inch long, with very small eyes and two antennae, and are very difficult to notice with the human eye. They typically have three tentacle-like feelers that grow from their back. Take a look around any areas that you think they live, your basement or bathroom, and notice tiny skin casts, where they have shed their skins.
Problems caused
A major part of their diet is starch hence they start feeding on substances that contain protein and certain glues. Silverfish leave behind a trail of yellow stains and holes after feasting on wooden materials, food, books and wallpapers.
Eliminating these pests
Once you’ve ascertained that you have a silverfish infestation, there are several ways you can disperse them, either by making your home less hospitable to them, killing them with pesticides, repelling them, or trapping and disposing of them.
There are several home remedies that serve as best way to get rid of silverfish pests, without resorting to chemical pesticides.
Boric Acid – quite low on the toxicity scale, sprinkle around areas where you notice silverfish are active
Jar traps – using a glass jar covered in masking tape or similar, place a starchy food item such as crackers into the bottom. The silverfish will climb up the jar and crawl in but are unable to escape.
To make your home less inviting to these creatures, ensure that you repair any areas of damp in the home, especially around leaking pipes and in humid basements, an environment attractive to silverfish. Eliminate any starchy food sources that will attract these pests, storing food articles in plastic lidded boxes.
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