Silverfish

Silverfish, also called fish-moths, are small wingless insects, silvery light grey in colour. These insects are about 12-19 mm in length and got their name from the fishlike movement they make to wiggle around. They prefer living in dark and damp areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, skirting boards, wardrobes and bookcases. These nocturnal insects are secretive, move fast, hide during daytime and forage during night-time.

Although they reproduce quickly, they may go unnoticed for long because of their secretive behaviour. Silverfish or fish-moths will infiltrate your home through gaps around doors, cracks in the foundation, infested books, clothing or card-boxes carried into the house. They are so small and flat, they can slip through very small openings.

These creepy looking insects feed on paper, clothing, wallpaper, a well as carbohydrates and cellulose. Their eating habits are damaging to books, paper such as stored files, wallpaper and clothes, especially those in storage. The carbohydrates they eat are sugars and starches, which means they feed on food that was left open. Cellulose they find in shampoos, the glue in books, linen and silk garments and sheets as well as dead insects, etc.

Apart from all the damage they can do in your house, bookshops, libraries, clothing stores, etc. they can trigger allergies in some people. Therefore it is very important that you call us for an inspection if you suspect that your house/shop/office/library might be infested with these wiggling, creepy creatures.

To get rid of a silverfish infestation, the adult silverfish as well as their places of shelter has to be treated. You require professional treatment to be fully rid of these insects.