MORE THAN JUST A NUISANCE IN HOMES OR BUSINESSES

Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits and can cause a serious problem in large numbers – damaging books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items containing starch or cellulose.

Silverfish are small primitive insects that are found in dark, damp, warm places throughout our home or business. They prefer starchy materials such as cereals, wallpaper and book bindings as food but in large populations they may do damage to cotton and linen fabrics.  These wingless insects slightly resemble firebrats and are often called bristletails.

Characterised by a silvery-blue colour, tiny scales and wiggling movements resembling that of a fish – these pest are also commonly known as fish moths or carpet sharks.

Simple Prevention

Control of silverfish is helped by storing books, paper and linen in well-lit and ventilated areas. Camphor blocks may prove useful.

Carpet beetles can infest dwellings via bird’s nests in roofs and on cut flowers brought inside. Thorough and frequent vacuuming of carpets, soft furnishings and areas covered by furniture can assist in control. Pay particular attention to carpet edges adjacent to skirtings.

Items affected by clothes moths can be placed into a dark plastic bag and left in the sun, raising temperature to lethal levels. When storing for long periods, dry clean clothes and place in plastic bags with mothballs.

Our Process

Silverfish

Pestpro can help with pest control solutions for various fabric pests – in Perth

Opened a cupboard or drawer and discovered holes in your clothes? That’s the work of one of the insects grouped as ‘Fabric Pests’ – silverfish.

Silverfish love plant substances like cotton & starch, while carpet beetles prefer woollen goods plus fur, upholstery and even stuffed toys. Clothes moths are less common but still found in similar environments.

Fabric pests are annoying and damaging. Pestpro has a warrantied treatment available – just call for more details for Pestpro Perth silverfish control services.

Except for silverfish, the main food sought by fabric pests is a protein called Keratin, present in fibres of animal origin like wool and even human hair.

Clothes moths are less common than carpet beetles, although often found in similar environments. Signs of an infestation include damaged material, cast larval skins, sand like larval droppings and small cocoons similar in colour to the infested fabric.

Experts in silverfish control

A silverfish is a small, wingless insect in the order Zygentoma. Its common name derives from the animal’s silvery light grey colour, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements. However, the scientific name indicates the silverfish’s diet consists of carbohydrates such as sugar or starches.

How to identify silverfish

Silverfish(Ctenolepisma Longicaudata)

Appearance

  • Silvery or grey in colour
  • Tapered, tail-like appearance
  • Wingless, with 2 slender antennae
  • These teardrop-shaped insects measure up to 10 – 12 mm in length 

Lifecycle

Silverfish reproduction habits vary by species – some species laying a few eggs a day and others laying clusters of 2 – 20 eggs on a daily basis.

Habits

  • Silverfish eggs are commonly hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate.
  • Silverfish prefer warm, humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens and are especially attracted to paper and damp clothing.
  • Feed on carbohydrates, especially sugars and starches.