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All You Need To Know About Silverfish
All You Need To Know About Silverfish
Silverfish are small and creepy looking insects and they can be found in people’s homes quite often, as they are seeking for moisture. They are also one of the most ancient insects on Earth, and they have been around for more than 400 million years. So they were even predating dinosaurs at some point in time.
Even though they have been around for so long, they haven’t developed wings. But they are making up for this by having extreme speeds. They stay safe by being more active at night and also by making a run for it when they are in danger.
Why They Are Called Silverfish?
When running, they are wiggling their body and this resembles the swimming motion of a fish. Besides this, they also need moisture and they have fish-like scales, so that’s why they got this unusual name for an insect. Even when they are grown up they still continue to shed their skin. So finding silver scales in your home or basement can be a sign of silverfish infestation.
What Attracts Silverfish?
They prefer moist and humid areas that are abundant in food and not heavily circulated by humans. So you will usually find them in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They tend to congregate around plumbing fixtures, so they can easily access leaky pipes or those covered in condensation. You will also find them in humid attics, and they can even crawl out of shower and sink drains.
What Do Silverfish Eat?
In order to survive, they need proteins, sugars and starches. So they consume books, newspapers, various fabrics and even dead insects. In the wilderness they are important decomposers, helping with the natural circle of life. If you find them in the bathtub or sink it’s because they were looking for water and then they weren’t able to climb back up because of the slippery porcelain surface.
The Silverfish Life Cycle
They have a complex and quite strange mating ritual that involves dances and chases, and then the female will lay eggs that hatch in 20 to 45 days. An adult female Silverfish can make between 2 and 20 eggs every day for the rest of her life. She lays the eggs in protected areas such as cracks, crevices or under the carpet. So these insects can spread up very quickly if they are not taken care of.
It takes the Silverfish insect about 2 years to became an adult, and then they can live for 3 to 6 years. This is quite a lot for an insect, and some were even found to live for 8 years if they had all the needed conditions.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
While they do not bite people directly, they can cause a lot of damage in homes. This is because they consume a variety of textiles, cotton, linen or silk. But they also eat wallpapers, book bindings, boxes and documents. And least but not last, they also like to consume human foods such as cereals, coffee, sugar or flour. Not to mention the fact that they are disgusting and not pleasant to have around the home.
The Signs of Silverfish
The first and most obvious one is if you notice small white bugs in your home. They will usually stay in dark areas near a source of moisture such as a sink, toilet or bathtub. If you suddenly turn on the lights they will freeze for a moment, and then make a run for it to a hidden place. They can crawl even in the tiniest cracks and crevices, so it’s important to cover them if you have any.
Since they are so slim, they can also slide under various objects that appear to be in direct contact to the floor. The next sign of Silverfish is finding damaged books or paper products. They will usually have a large hole, surrounded by other smaller ones. These insects can be very annoying for those who are collecting paper products such as old newspapers, documents, comic books, stamps and so on. Silverfish actually love the stamps because of their combination of paper and glue.
And least but not last, yellow stains and black specks can also be signs of Silverfish. These are the bug’s excrements. So if you ever notice one or more of the signs above, it’s time to call a specialist.
Safeguard Pest Control
There are lots of companies out there and we are among the best. Safeguard Pest Control is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1989.
We have 30 years of experience and our employees are highly trained and skilled. They have great knowledge in this field and can provide great results for all types of buildings. We offer pest control solutions to both residential and commercial areas, as well as to schools and hospitals. We are using modern devices and safe substances that will not affect your health or the environment.
Our team of experts will arrive as soon as possible and will begin by inspecting the particularities of your own home. After finding the problem, we will come up with a custom action plan and we will get to work. We will accommodate your schedule and together we’ll find the right time to start the treatment.
Get Rid of Silverfish Now!
If your home or yard are seriously infested by silverfish, then it’s time to call a specialist! Safeguard Pest Control is a family owned and operated company that has been operating since 1989. We have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and can provide you with professional results.
Book your Safeguard fleas treatment now by calling 07 5477 6675 or emailing info@safeguardpestcontrol.com.au and allow us to protect your home against these nasty insects.
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