Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Invasion of silverfish
Damp weather ideal for infestations
HOUSES in Ireland are being invaded by silverfish insects with the damp weather perfect for infestations.
Pest control company Rentokil reported a 171% increase in the numbers of callouts about the small wingless insects in January, compared to the same period last year.
The critters, which can live for up to three years, and thrive in cool, dark and moist areas.
Bathrooms are a favoured habitat as they can feed on dead skin, hair and even shampoo.
With this varied appetite, they can damage by feasting on clothing, carpets, book bindings, paper and photographs. Rentokil spokesman Colm Moore said: “Silverfish [and firebrats] are believed to be one of the most primitive of living insect orders in the world.
“They are carrot shape in profile and possess long tail-like appendages from the tip of their abdomen and their bodies are nearly always covered in scales – almost like plate armour.
“Silverfish consume a wide range of food types including oats, beef and even paper and textiles.
“Some species can also survive longperiods of starvation we know of one that survived for 300 days without feeding.
“They require damp and humid conditions and thrive in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and other dark,
isolated areas.
“Fixing leaks in pipework, improving ventilation and using dehumidifiers can help discourage silverfish.
“They can be found in a variety of common items in households and businesses such as books, wallpaper, paintings, fabrics, carpets, coffee, sugar, pasta and other food debris.
“In small numbers silverfish are not really a problem and you can easily get rid of them, but a large infestation can be a serious issue for your home or business.”
Rentokil advises homes and businesses to keep silverfish away by vacuuming thoroughly and storing 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.