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Description
The silverfish is approximately 12mm (approximately ½ an inch) in length and is of a silvery colour with three distinct spikes at its rear end. It is found where conditions are moist and favours kitchens, larders, bathrooms and basements and beneath household appliances, e.g. baths, sinks, wash-hand basins etc.
Life Cycle
The eggs are laid in cracks and crevices and the time taken for the adults to reach maturity varies from a few months to over a year depending on the temperature and humidity.
Food
Silverfish feed on scraps with a carbohydrate content.
Significance
These creatures have no public health significance and will not bite humans or pets.
Control Measures
Within properties, infested food should be removed and disposed of. The affected area can be sprayed with an aerosol or insecticide powder which can be purchased from a chemist, hardware shop or garden centre. You should choose one designed for crawling insects and one that is designed for use inside the house. There are many different makes and brand names available, however, whichever brand used the instructions should be read carefully and only apply as indicated.
Insecticides should not be used close to potted plants or goldfish bowls. Powders and sprays should not be applied where pets and children can come into contact with them either directly or by crawling over treated areas.
Insecticides should not, generally, be used in kitchens or food storage areas.
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