Silverfish
(by Robert Holyfield)
When you think of silverfish, you might be picturing something you pull up on the bank after your fishing pole just bent over. Silverfish and firebrats are often referred to as bristletails because of the three , tail-like appendages that protrude from their abdominal. They look like something from the dinosaur age having their bodies covered in scales and shaped like something you might see embedded in rock dug up in Egypt. They are silver to pearl-gray in color and have a carrot- shaped body. Adults can live up to 3 years and are about ½ in long. They live in cracks and voids and can be found throughout the home. They can be found where books, paper, boxes or old clothing are stored. Their food sources consist of protein, sugars and starches. They will eat cereals, starch in book bindings, paper on which there is glue or paste. They will damage wallpaper by eating holes through it to get to the paste. Silverfish prefer a dark, moist environment and feed on mold in these areas. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are a hot spot to find these little buggers roaming about. You can sometimes find them in the sink or tub because the sides are slick and they cannot climb out after falling in. Bookshelves are another good location as well as stored boxes in attics. They can also live outdoors and can be found in mulch, under tree bark and under siding on houses. They are active at night and usually hide during the day.
CONTROL:
You can reduce their numbers by correcting moisture problems. (Ex: Drying out damp areas with a fan or dehumidifier, repairing leaking pipes, ventilating closed rooms, & repairing leaking roofs) Use the ventilation fan when using the shower or tub. You can also reduce hiding places by removing old papers, books, boxes and other clutter. Wherever possible, seal up potential hiding places with caulk. Remove leaves and other debris around the home to decrease the chance from an outside invasion.
MAKE YOUR OWN TRAP:
A very simple trap can be made by taking a glass jar and scrubbing it clean and covering the outside with masking tape to make it easy to climb. Put it in an area where you have been seeing the little buggers and they will climb up and fall into the jar, but cannot escape due to the smooth interior walls. Moist cotton or starchy foods will work as bait. Sticky traps normally used for roaches and other insects work also.
As always if we can help, give us a call.
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