Fears over a huge rise in flesh-eating night crawlers silverfish invading Irish homes and businesses. We’re seeing a sharp increase of 32% in the number of callouts regarding silverfish infestation in December 2018 compared to the same period the previous year.  Do silverfish bite? How to get rid of silverish quickly.

Approximately the same length as the diameter of a one euro coin, the nocturnal insects are thriving in bathrooms and kitchen around the country as homeowners sleep. These ugly, wingless, torpedo shaped insects are characterised by a silvery-blue colour, tiny scales and 3 bristles at the end of their abdomen. Once silverfish access a property, they lay up to twenty eggs every day, so a small problem can quickly become a large one with this species of insect.

Do silverfish bite?

No, they do not bite humans. Eggs are hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate. Silverfish 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.

Are silverfish harmful?

More than just a nuisance in homes, silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits and can cause a serious problem in large numbers . They feed on starch, cellulose, and sugar, so they can damage a variety of common items such as books, paper, wallpaper, and paintings. 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. Therefore, you should know how to identify silverfish before an infestation happens in your property.

How to get rid of silverfish

Here are some DIY tips to help you get rid of silverfish

• Deny them food by vacuuming and keeping dust and debris to a minimum.
• Store 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.
• Make sure all cracks in walls and skirting boards are filled.

However, home DIY products such as silverfish sprays or silverfish trap can help control silverfish populations but large or repeated infestations will require professional treatment.

Do you think you have silverfish? Don’t waste time as it may get worse. Contact us today and book your free callout with our local expert now!