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SILVERFISH
IDENTIFICATION - Silverfish have characteristic
“carrot-shaped” bodies when observed
from above, but are flattened top to bottom. In
size, they range from about one-half inch in the
common silverfish to three-quarters inch gray silverfish.
Two rather long, segmented antennae protrude from
the head. The body of the common silverfish is covered
with silver scales, and the body of the gray silverfish
is covered with gray scales. They are known to move
very fast, and can find harborage in very small
cracks or crevices, even within the confines of
narrow book bindings, book pages, or in the corrugations
of cardboard.
BEHAVIOR - These insects may roam for quite some
distance in search of food, but once they have found
a satisfactory source, they remain close to it.
They consume both carbohydrates and proteins. They
are fond of flour and starch. They can cause significant
damage to paper products, and certain fabrics (such
as linen, cotton and silk). Where damage to textiles
is believed to be due to silverfish, a card coated
with flour paste may be placed in the vicinity.
Subsequent examination for feeding marks upon the
card will reveal whether or not silverfish are present.
Silverfish often eat holes in wallpaper, or may
remove the paste from behind wallpaper causing the
paper to become detached from the wall. Accumulations
behind molding apparently provide the insect with
a varied diet. Where silverfish are found in and
around rugs and carpets, they are probably feeding
upon crumbs of food that may be in the vicinity.
NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL - A vacuum cleaner equipped
with a crevice tool can be an effective means of
removing silverfish if used in potential harborage
areas on a regular basis. Increasing lighting tends
to make harborage less hospitable. These insects
prefer dark cracks or low light areas. The removal
of leaf and grass litter from the area immediately
surrounding your residence can remove much of the
potential source of invasion, as can sealing spaces
around windows, doors and the use of screening over
vents.
PROFESSIONAL CONTROL - Sticky traps may reduce
an invasion of silverfish when placed in or near
infested areas. In addition, the two major forms
of pest control chemicals for these insects are
liquids, usually applied as a spray or dust. Thank
you for your inquiry and for choosing J R G Exterminating,
Inc. for your silverfish control treatment. We offer
complete animal and pest control services, and would
be happy to discuss a customized program to fit
your individual needs.
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