How do I get rid of silverfish?

KatrinaC_2

Not strictly old-style, but if anyone knows it will be someone on the OS board!

I live in an old house that has a damp problem at the minute and with it has come an incredible infestation of silverfish.

The landlady is coming this week to look at the damp but based on previous history it might take *years* to solve. In the mean time is there anything I can do to get rid of the silverfish?

Thanks in advance!

Kat

intel

Silver Polish

HTH

KatrinaC_2

intel wrote:

Silver Polish

HTH

To get rid of insects?

Kat

intel

KatrinaC wrote:

To get rid of insects?

Kat

You really didnt take me serious did you...

pavlovs_dog

urrrrrghh *shudders* i hate those things!

perhaps give your local environmental health department a ring, they are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to beasties and creepy crawlies (and they may just be able to put a rocket up your landlords backside if the state of your accommodation isnt up to scratch)

impy78

From https://www.hints-n-tips.com:

Silverfish: If you are troubled with silverfish try placing whole cloves in the closets and drawers -- J

A contributor suggested sprinkling Epsom salts at the back of cupboards as a way of eliminating silverfish. Sorry but we lost the original e-mail. -- Ed


From http://www.critterridders.com/silverfish.htm:

Control Measures

Prevention
Sanitation is important but not entirely effective in reducing populations because insects often reside between wall partitions, in insulation materials, in books and papers, among book shelves and in other protected places. However, be sure to remove old stacks of newspapers, magazines, papers, books and fabrics plus foodstuffs spilled and stored for long periods of time. Often reducing available water and lowering the home's relative humidity with dehumidifiers and fans is helpful. Repair leaking plumbing and eliminate moisture around laundry areas. Lighting a dark, sheltered area may force these insects to move to new sites where they can be controlled more easily. Once the infestation has been eliminated, sanitation will help prevent reinfestation.

Insecticides
Treatments for silverfish control need to be applied thoroughly to all potential hiding places such as cracks, crevices, inside floor moldings, around steam and water pipes, in and behind seldom moved furniture, closets and even attics. It may be necessary to drill small holes in the walls to treat large populations in wall voids. ECO PCO DUST is perfect for these treatments. Silverfish control may not be immediate since bristletails in wall voids must move out and contact the insecticides. It may take 10 to 14 days. There are many insecticides labeled for control of silverfish and firebrats (bristletails). Silverfish Place Paks are new and simple for the homeowner. Residual sprays like ECO PCO Insecticide Space spray Total Release bombs like pyrethrins are effective in places where sprays are hard to reach such as in crawl spaces and attics. Before using any insecticide, always read the label, follow directions and safety precautions. It is advisable to use the services of a reputable, licensed pest control operator or applicator when infestations are persistent and hard to locate.


But most people say the cloves thing works best.

pavlovs_dog

Silverfish



SIZE: 1/2 to 1 inch (12.7-25.4mm)

COLOR: Brown or silver-gray

DESCRIPTION: Silverfish are small, soft insects without wings. The abdomen has three filaments extending from it.Silverfish are not often seen by homeowners because they are nocturnal and can run very swiftly. Occasionally, they are found in bathtubs. They crawl in seeking food or moisture and can't climb out. These insects prefer vegetable matter with a high carbohydrate and protein content. However, indoors they will feed on almost anything. A partial list includes dried beef, flour, starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, molds and breakfast cereals.

HABITAT: Silverfish normally live outdoors under rocks, bark and leaf mold, in the nests of birds and mammals, and in ant and termite nests. However, many are found in houses and are considered a pest, or at least a nuisance, by homeowners. Usually they are found trapped in a bathtub, sink, or washbasin.

LIFE CYCLE: Adults lay eggs in small groups containing a few to 50 eggs. The eggs are very small and deposited in cracks and crevices. A female normally lays less than 100 eggs during her lifespan of two to eight years. Under ideal conditions, the eggs hatch in two weeks, but may take up to two months to hatch.

The young nymphs are very much like the adults except for size. Several years are required before they are sexually mature, and they must mate after each molt if viable eggs are to be produced. Populations do not build up rapidly because of their slow development rate and the small number of eggs laid.

TYPE OF DAMAGE: A household pest, they feed on cereals and non-food items such as paste, paper, starch in clothes, rayon fabrics and dried meats.

CONTROL: Sanitation alone will not eliminate an infestation, although it may prevent new ones from starting. A large infestation usually means the house has been infested for some time.

Residual insecticides (use an aerosol) will help to control these pests. Removing old papers, boxes, books, and clothes from the attic to basement will help remove food and hiding places. Moth crystals placed in boxes in the attic will also help.

INTERESTING FACTS: They can go for up to one year without food. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

KatrinaC_2

intel wrote:

You really didnt take me serious did you...

No, but it might be the most sensible way I've read so far! All other solutions have begun with the line "reduce the humidity"; if all else fails I could use duraglit wadding for kindling and burn the b*ggers out...

Kat

intel

You can always get rid of em with one of theese...

KatrinaC_2

pavlovs_dog wrote:

urrrrrghh *shudders* i hate those things!

perhaps give your local environmental health department a ring, they are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to beasties and creepy crawlies (and they may just be able to put a rocket up your landlords backside if the state of your accommodation isnt up to scratch)

I'm going to give that a try - even if they can't suggest anything more than has already been suggested at least it's more ammunition when it comes to talking to my landlady.

Thanks,

Kat

KatrinaC_2

impy78 wrote:

From https://www.hints-n-tips.com:

Silverfish: If you are troubled with silverfish try placing whole cloves in the closets and drawers -- J

A contributor suggested sprinkling Epsom salts at the back of cupboards as a way of eliminating silverfish. Sorry but we lost the original e-mail. -- Ed

I think I've got some epsom salts somewhere! I'd never thought of using something like that which would desscate the insects - I wonder if bicarb would work too? Worth a try, I suppose!

Thanks

Kat