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DESCRIPTION
Silverfish prefer dark, damp, warm places such as bathrooms, kitchens and furnace rooms. They are most active at night (they hide during the day). Popular hiding locations include bookcases, windows, door frames and in closets. Silverfish are active year-round; thus damage can occur at any time, provided conditions are suitable. Damage caused by silverfish feeding include uneven holes in paper, books and flooring. They sometimes leave a noticeable yellow stain on material such as linen. LIFE CYCLE
CONTROL - Monitor Monitoring for silverfish is the first step in control. It is important to determine if the damage is indeed caused by this insect. A simple mixture can provide this information for you. Make a paste by mixing flour and water (keep it fairly thick), spread it on cardboard and let it dry. Place the cardboard in an area where silverfish are suspected. It is easy to determine if feeding has taken place (bite marks and scraped surfaces). A glue board may also be used to trap silverfish. Physical
Other options to achieve control include caulking openings around pipes and wires to prevent passage from room to room, storing books and paper products in dry areas to avoid dampness, or, if the room is too damp, heating the area. A trap can be made by placing masking tape around the outside of a small glass bottle, and laying a piece of bread inside for bait. Lay the trap in an area where silverfish have been seen. The silverfish will climb in to get the food, but will be unable to get out because they cannot climb on smooth surfaces. Once captured, drop the silverfish in a bucket of soapy water. Infested items such as clothing and books can also be placed in the freezer. Freezing will kill all life stages. Chemical
If the above measures are not effective, consult with an expert. |
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