Help What are these creatures?!

zonn

Had rented out a flat to a tenant, now paid back his deposit after he left , but now have discovered these creatures in the cupboards, literally crawling all over the place.

Took a few photos..actually these are next to ant killing powder that is also seen in the picture!
Any idea what these are and what does one do before they overrun the whole flat!





Any idea what these are and what does one do before they overrun the whole flat!

floyd

They look a bit like flour beetles to me

serena

I think they may be silverfish - an odd creature that should live in water if I remember correctly, one of those prehistory beasties that somehow survive. They like it a bit damp, and will eat stuff like glue and paper. I don't know how to ger risd of them though, but a good clean and fresh air discourages most things!

floyd

• Locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of it.
• Dispose of heavily infested foods in wrapped, heavy plastic bags or in sealed containers and put in out with your refuse.
• Use a suitable insecticide to treat the empty cupboards.

Prevention, which is always better than having to control an infestation, can be achieved by following these guidelines:

• Careful cleaning is the best method to avoid any stored-product pests. After removing all food, food packages, utensils, dishes etc from the cupboard, shelves, or storage area.
• Use a strong suction vacuum cleaner with proper attachments to clean all spilled foods (flour, rice, toaster crumbs, bits of pet food, raisins etc) from the cracks and crevices behind, under and in appliances and furniture.
• Scrub with soap and hot water.
• After shelves are thoroughly dry, cover with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing with food (which is free from infestation) or cooking utensils.

This info is from here http://www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=474&pageNumber=7

floyd

serena wrote: »

I think they may be silverfish - an odd creature that should live in water if I remember correctly, one of those prehistory beasties that somehow survive. They like it a bit damp, and will eat stuff like glue and paper. I don't know how to ger risd of them though, but a good clean and fresh air discourages most things!

I always thought silverfish were much bigger than that and lived in carpets and fabrics?

ceebeeby

They look either like earwigs or flying ants???

If you've got a mate in the armed forces, borrow their gas mask, spray the place - leave it for a day, come back and clean the place from top to bottom.

Little_Chicken

We call them evil-weavils.....they live in flour and cereals...will find some info....

Little_Chicken

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weevil

here they are.....

McKneff

no, they arent silverfish. I'm almost sure they are flying ants.
they all look dead so the ant powder is doing its work. You can buy ant bait stations at any hardware store, they arent as messy as ant powder.
dont know about you, we have had them too and they make my scalp crawl
good luck

sammyjig

this is what silverfish look like apparently, yeuk!



I have heard people say baking powder gets rid of them, some say ant powder. They like damp and dark area's apparently and I think you need to buy a specialist insecticide to get rid of them properly.

Barneysmom

No, they 're not silverfish, but I'd not worry as they aren't bedbugs.
Just get your rubber gloves on and bleach everywhere, and get one of those pest control room sprays and leave the house for the day.
Good luck xxx