Silverfish Pest Control

This insect gets its name from its silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish have no wings, but are able to run very fast. They tend to hide their presence from humans which means any damage they have caused could go unnoticed as well.

If left undiscovered, silverfish can cause extensive damage to books and book bindings, paper products in general, textiles, artificial silk, cereals, dried meat products, glues and other materials of plant origin. Once they hatch, silverfish will pass through several moults before they reach full adult status which can take up to three years. They are unusually long-lived insects and can survive as full grown adults for a further three years in areas where they are undisturbed and have a constant supply of starchy food material.

Silverfish are generally scavenger feeders that will eat virtually anything available. The insects, however, prefer to feed on carbohydrates and proteins. Within their natural habitat outdoors, silverfish mainly consume vegetable matter. Silverfish living among humans often eat common household items and frequently invade kitchen pantries. Despite their established dietary preferences, silverfish can survive without food for up to a year.

Though small and usually hidden, silverfish can have a detrimental impact on the homes they inhabit. With a preference for carbohydrates and proteins, the insects will eat anything from flour and dried meat to glue and wallpaper. Silverfish often raid pantries for cereal, rolled oats, and other starches. The insects also consume and destroy books, magazines, and photographs. Due to the slow growth rates of silverfish populations, the presence of an infestation generally signals a longstanding problem requiring professional assistance to resolve