Our services are available 365 days a year
Silverfish Control Services
Silverfish are widely considered one of the creepiest insect pests we treat after cockroaches.
Silverfish Control Wirral
Silverfish are widely considered one of the creepiest insect pests we treat after cockroaches (of course). Silverfish are a nocturnal silver grey insect shaped a bit like a parsnip and are known for their destructive habits. If they have invaded your home or business they can damage old books, wallpaper, damp clothing and plaster- so it is important if you notice one of these wiggling around your property you call in one of our professionals from Defender Pest Control!
We cover the Wirral and the North West.
Can’t rate these guys high enough! Fabulous service from both Tom and Liam. Responded quickly to initial request and work was guaranteed if the problem persisted. They came back out as promised and sorted it. Reliable and trustworthy. Really thorough and professional service.
- Marion
Absolutely would recommend, went above and beyond all expectations, even did an extra visit to be sure at no extra charge, completed the job, were respectful, friendly and so easy to deal with, I would not hesitate to use again if needed.
- Loraine Kenneavy
Pest control: I would definitely recommend Defender Pest Control. Tom did an excellent job, nothing was too much trouble and he was at all times polite and helpful. If I should require his services again I would not hestitate to call him.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
Due to their nocturnal nature, it can often be difficult to tell if you have an infestation as the easiest way to tell if you have a problem on your hands is witnessing their presence. Below we list some of the most common tell-tale signs that silverfish have invaded your property:
- Around bathtubs and sinks you may see silverfish that are trapped and struggling to go back to their nest.
- They may be found burrowing in unsealed dried packets of food.
- There may be yellow stains on your clothing and other synthetic fabrics.
- There may be damage to your books, photographs, papers, and wallpaper. This is normally recognised by small holes/notches on the items (these are known as feeding marks).
Learn more about silverfish biology
Silverfish are a silver grey blue wingless insect around 12mm in length. They have a long antenna and a body that is covered in tiny scales like a fish! They are sometimes referred to as fish moths and carpet sharks.
Silverfish are nocturnal insects and tend to inhabit damp areas of your property such as kitchens and bathrooms. Silverfish can survive in a wide range of environments but prefer dark and humid spaces. They move incredibly quickly, and their movements replicate a wiggling motion alike to a fish.
Silverfish are often feared due to their appearance, but they are not known to bite or be poisonous. However, they can cause allergic reactions for some people especially those with sensitive skin. These allergic reactions are triggered when silverfish shed their skins and tiny particles are left behind which mix with dust in the air and create a substance that irritates the skin.
There are around 120 species of silverfish worldwide and each have different reproduction habits- some lay one egg a day and others can lay a cluster of eggs a day ranging from 2-20 in total (they cannot lay more than 60 eggs at one time and will only lay on average 100 eggs in their whole lifetime.) They lay their eggs in cracks and crevices. Silverfish nymphs are white in colour and just look like miniature versions of their elders- just with a smaller antenna.
Silverfish are part of the Apterygote classification alongside bristle backs and firebrats. They are sometimes confused with firebrats, but firebrats have a flatter speckled appearance and are not as metallic- they also favour hotter/ dryer environments.
Silverfish are closely related to the Rhyniognatha which is the oldest known insect. It is believed that silverfish are among some of the first insects to conquer the land and there is fossil evidence of their existence dating back more than 140 million years ago!
Silverfish can survive for up to 5 years and are known to survive for many weeks without water and up to a year without food!
Silverfish have a diet that is based on sugars and carbohydrates, they are known to feed on glue from book bindings, wallpaper paste, insulation, cardboard, and emulsion from photographs. They are also known to feed on clothing, fallen human hair and any fallen/injured insects
Preventing Silverfish
Due to their nocturnal nature, speed, and impressive ability to hide it can often be difficult to initially spot a silverfish infestation and effectively treat it. As with most pests best practice is to call in the professionals if you want a prompt and permanent solution to eliminate any problem especially silverfish. However, here are some steps you can take to prevent a silverfish infestation.
- If your property is damp you should try to get control of this to prevent a silverfish infestation. You can use a dehumidifier or call in an expert to solve your damp problems.
- Keeping your home clutter free-removing any waste cardboard, old papers, and any general clutter.
- Remove any food sources especially dry foods such as cereal, grains, and pasta. Also keeping food sources in airtight containers and sealed glass jars.
- Effectively proofing your home by sealing up any cracks/crevices in walls and ceilings.
- Regular vacuuming to remove any food, dust, and debris.
- Keeping your gutters clear will ensure water can properly drain away and reduce any dampness that would attract silverfish.