|
Serving all Canadian
provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,
Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick. Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island,
Newfoundland
|
|||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
|
|
SILVERFISH ( Lepisma saccharina)
DamageSilverfish and firebrats feed and cause damage to a variety of materials but seem to prefer materials of plant origin that are high in carbohydrates and protein. They feed on glue in book bindings or behind wallpaper, and on paper, paper sizing, cereal grain products and dried meat. They may also damage silk and some synthetic fabrics, but they usually avoid woollens.Silverfish and firebrats prefer dark places and are most active at night. Most species are found outdoors in hidden locations, such as under tree bark and rocks, or in the nests of animals, but human dwellings provide a good environment for a few species. Inside the house, bristletails can be found almost anywhere, but they are most abundant in attics, basements, wall voids, hollow decorative beams, dark closets, bookshelves, and storage rooms. They are often found in sinks, lavatories and bathtubs because they have fallen in and become trapped while seeking moisture. Houses with wooden shingles seem to be particularly attractive to bristletails, which can enter the home from under these shingles. In addition, infestations can start when eggs, nymphs or adults are brought into a house on infested cardboard boxes, cartons, furniture or similar items. Life historySilverfish and firebrats are long-lived insects. Development time from egg to adult takes anywhere from three months to three years for silverfish, whereas firebrats complete development from egg to adult in about four months. Adult silverfish and firebrats may continue to live for up to three years. This equals a potential lifespan of approximately six years for silverfish and three to four years for firebrats. Adults continue to molt throughout the remainder of their lives.Adults lay eggs in cracks and crevices near food sources. Depending on species, adults lay 5-50 eggs per clutch. These eggs hatch into nymphs, which look like small adults. They molt several times during the nymph and adult stages and have been observed to shed their skins more than 30 times a year. Development time from egg to adult varies between the four house-dwelling species and is summarized in Table 1. All stages have a similar diet. ControlBecause this pest prefers dark locations, it can be very difficult to find their breeding locations. An experienced pest professional will usually have more success in treating silverfish than most homeowners. Prevention Lowering the humidity and temperature in a house will also help control silverfish, since they generally prefer high humidity and moderately high temperatures. Lowering the temperature in areas around hot water pipes, water heaters and boilers will reduce firebrat populations. Improved air circulation in these areas will usually lower temperatures slightly. Chemical control CAUTION When using pesticides always read the label and follow the directions. IT'S THE LAW. |
Please report any errors or omissions to
Webmanager@PestControlCanada.com .
Your comments, suggestions, ideas are welcome.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Silverfish
and their close relatives Firebrats are characterized by three long tail-like
appendages arising from the tip of the abdomen. They have chewing mouthparts,
long antennae and the body is almost always covered with scales. When viewed
from the top, silverfish have a carrot-shaped outline. They are usually a steel
gray or metallic silver color and are about 1/2 - 3/4 inch (12 - 18 mm) in
length. They prefer warm, damp, dark undisturbed areas.
Rid
your home of annoying pests today. Terminix®, the
world’s largest pest control company, will treat the
inside and outside of your home to eliminate mice, ants,
roaches, and other pests for good. Call Terminix with
your pest problem and you’ll have a solution within 24
hours. Total satisfaction is guaranteed.