Many people may wonder where the name silverfish came from. How can they be a fish when they’re not in water? Well, the word for this bug derives from their scaly shimmering body and their fish-like movements.
Silverfish love dark and damp conditions and are very common in all types of buildings. You may often see them hiding under wall skirting boards or crawling up wallpaper. This is because they love products that include cellulose and starch, making products such as wallpaper and paintings prime targets. Mould is also one of their food sources so if you suffer with mould in your house, this will also increase the likelihood of silverfish infestations. Silverfish live in most rooms but tend to favour rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens due to the nearby water source. Once they find a good food source, they will often stay around that area and are unlikely to scout out other areas.
In the insect world, silverfish have a very long lifespan and live between 3 to 6 years. The females produce up to 3 eggs a day or clusters of a maximum of 20. Silverfish emerge from their eggs after 3-4 months and look like smaller versions of the adults. Silverfish have been around 100 million years longer than dinosaurs, which shows you exactly how versatile they are!
How to reduce the chances of a silverfish infestation:
- Eradicate dampness in your home. One great way to do this is by buying a humidifier and opening windows and doors more often to improve the ventilation throughout your house.
- Try online tips and tricks and homemade remedies.
However, online advice should be taken lightly. Homemade remedies may help to control small populations of silverfish but if you have a larger infestation then we recommend calling us in. We will use our professional effective chemicals to kill the silverfish and reduce the risk of damage to your home.