SILVERFISH

A common pest in Australia is the silverfish. Silverfish are small, wingless insects who’s habitats are usually dark and damp. Whilst they seem relatively harmless, they can cause significant damage.

Silverfish are at their most active during the night. They can be found in a variety of common items in households and businesses such as books, wallpaper, paintings, fabrics, carpets, coffee, sugar, pasta and other food debris. Roof spaces, laundry rooms, and under sinks are also prime locations for silverfish. If silverfish are left untreated, they can do real damage because of their food sources. Silverfish prefer vegetation but will eat almost anything organic. The real damage can come when silverfish dine on your wallpaper, cottons, linens paper, books and flooring. They sometimes leave a noticeable yellow stain on material such as linen.

Hundreds of eggs are laid in cracks by the female silverfish. Over a period of a few weeks several batches of eggs are laid. They usually hatch in one month if warm temperatures are present. Once the eggs hatch, nymphs (a smaller version of the adult) emerge. The nymphs increase in size until they become adults three months later. Adult silverfish usually live two to three years.

Silverfish can spread over a property very quickly. If great numbers appear, owners may have to vacate the premises for a short time. Catching any escaping silverfish is essential to prevent re-infestation.