Pest control provider, Rentokil, is urging people in Waterford to keep an eye out for the signs of silverfish.
These nocturnal pests are typically more prevalent during colder periods and can lay up to 60 eggs per day, so a few insects can quickly become a much larger infestation.
The five counties that accounted for the most silverfish call-outs over the past five months were Dublin, which accounted for 57% of all of Rentokil’s silverfish call-outs, Cork (15%), Kildare (5%), Clare (4%) and Waterford (2%).
Home and business owners are most likely to find silverfish in dark, damp, and humid areas such as bathrooms or washroom, basements, and attics.
Silverfish are nocturnal insects that are silver or grey in colour, measuring approximately 10-12mm in length with tiny scales, two antennae, and they have a tapered, tail-like appearance.
Silverfish eggs are usually difficult to locate, as they are often hidden in tiny cracks or crevices.
An infestation can result in damage to books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items as they feed on both starch and cellulose. They also feed on human debris such as dead skin and hair.
A common sign of the presence of silverfish to watch out for is finding unexplained holes in books or items of clothing.
Dr. Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager for Rentokil said: “Like many pests during colder periods of the year, silverfish move indoors to seek shelter and warmth inside homes and businesses. While silverfish aren’t dangerous, they can become a major inconvenience because of their appetite for starch and cellulose, which can lead to them damaging valuable items by feeding on them."
Tips to reduce the likelihood of a silverfish infestation in your premises:
- Deny them food by vacuuming and keeping dust and debris to a minimum.
- Store food in containers with tightly sealed lids.
- Homes and businesses should also dehumidify their premises through the use of fans, dehumidifiers, or by opening windows to air them out.
- Make sure all cracks in walls and skirting boards are filled.”
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