Silverfish Control
Treatments for Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects with six legs and an elongated body. The household pests are named for their fish-like shape and are basically harmless to humans. They don´t bite or sting, nor are they known to carry and spread diseases.
These small insects will try to hide away from humans, but they´ll enter homes looking for food, shelter and water. And that´s when the problems start. The slimy, odd-looking bugs damage items such as paper, photos, books, clothes and wallpaper glue by feeding on them.
Pro Pest Control Melbourne is a licenced and insured pest control company that provides fast and effective silverfish control solutions. We are knowledgeable and certified experts with a range of powerful pest control services at our disposal.
Contact us now! We stand by our work and only consider a job complete when you´re satisfied with the results.
Why Silverfish Are Considered Pests
A silverfish infestation is a serious matter because the creepy crawlies will cause property damage to cellulose-containing items such as books, wallpapers, storage boxes and magazines. Other things they may chew their way through are rolled oats, flour, dried meats, vegetables and cereals. And although they won’t hurt you, they may contaminate food when they leave their poop behind. Their waste products will also stain your belongings.
How We Treat Silverfish
Our pest control technicians will address your infestation promptly. We provide a friendly and professional service at cost-effective rates. This is how we do it:
Inspection
A comprehensive inspection is always the first step in our silverfish eradication process. One of our skilled technicians will inspect your home´s interior and exterior to identify areas with high silverfish activity.
Treatment
If we discover a live infestation, we´ll design a customised pest management plan. This may include sprays, fogs, aerosols and traps. All our treatments are non-toxic, so you don´t need to worry about adverse side effects.
Final Inspection
Once we’ve applied the treatments, we´ll conduct a final inspection in the dark surface to ensure the pests have been eradicated.
We´ll also advise you on protecting your home or business premise against future infestations.
Common Silverfish Species
The most common types of silverfish species are:
- Lepisma saccharina – this is better known as the common silverfish. These insects have a uniform silvery colour due to their shiny, metallic scales.
- Ctenolepisma longicaudata – also known as grey silverfish because they are usually dull grey in color. These pests typically measure 19-25 millimetres.
- Acrotelsella devriesiana – this is the most common type of silverfish in Australia and has a brown color. Typical length is around 13 millimetres.
- Thermobia domestica – this type of silverfish is also known as a firebrat because they prefer high temperatures such as those around fires and furnaces. Their elongated oblong bodies are generally golden in color.
Common Signs of Infestation
How Do You Know If You Have A Silverfish Problem?
They thrive in humid areas and feed on sugary and starchy substances, making your home an ideal environment. Pests like these are good at sneaking into properties undetected. Fortunately, they leave behind some clues.
- Holes in paper, books, wallpaper, carpet, food packages and even linens. You may also notice an increase in the number of holes or gaps in things like your window sills and plaster.
- Shed skin and scales. It moult throughout their life.
- Small, round and black silverfish droppings.
- Yellow stains on cardboard/cereal boxes, paper damage, plant material and clothing. This is the dust moulting silverfish leave behind in dark location.
How To Keep Silverfish at Bay: DIY Control and Prevention Tips
- Use a dehumidifier to take moisture out of the air.
- Remove their food source. Store dried food crumb properly in sealed containers and dispose of old papers and boxes.
- Fill any cracks or holes in your wall.
- Be thorough when you are vacuum cleaning. Get into every corner, crevice and area, including window and door sills. The idea is to suck up silverfish eggs before they hatch.
- Purchase insecticides that kill them and spray along baseboards, into cracks and other places where the insects lurk. Also, add a barrier spray outside your home to prevent the insects from entering.
- Use spice sachets in kitchen cabinets. Silverfish hate the smell of cinnamon and other strong-smelling spices.
- Trap the inspects in newspaper. With this old technique, roll up a newspaper and place elastic bands over the ends. Slightly moisten the paper, and before bedtime, place it where you have seen silverfish. The next morning you should discover the pests have eaten their way into the newspaper. Without unrolling the pages, throw it away or burn it. Repeat this method until you no longer see silverfish.
- Place your off-season clothes in bin bags and store them in dry places. This will prevent four lined silverfish from feeding on them.
- Use food-grade diatomaceous earth. This powdery substance contains ground-up fossilised material with sharp edges that puncture silverfish exoskeletons. The powder eventually dries out the insects, and they die of dehydration. Sprinkle it in your kitchen, cabinets, and anywhere else you have spotted signs of an infestation.
FAQ
Can silverfish fly?
No, they can´t. Silverfish don’t have wings.
How do silverfish get into homes?
The pesky insects can access your home through cracks in your doors, windows and foundations. Sometimes there may be a nest inside a cardboard box that you´ve brought into your home.
Why are there silverfish in my bathroom?
Silverfish are attracted to moisture and places with high humidity.
Where do silverfish come from?
In the outdoors, silverfish tend to live under rocks, logs or leaves – any dark place that retains moisture.
Are silverfish dangerous?
No, they are not.
Why should I get rid of silverfish?
In addition to the repulsion that anyone might feel about having a silverfish infestation issue, these insects can cause significant damage to your belongings.
Where do silverfish like to set up their colonies?
In common with other insects, their favourite spots are quiet, dark and damp places. So most often, they´ll settle down in kitchens, bathrooms and garages. Bedrooms exposed to humidity can also have the right conditions for them to develop colonies.
Why Choose Us
- Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Members
- Victoria Health Licensed Pest Technicians PMT
- $20 Million Public Liability Insured
- Local Melbourne Business
- Eco-friendly Silverfish Control Treatments
- 12 month warranty
- Fully licensed Pest Experts
- We Turn up on time, every time.
- Experienced Professionals
- 100% Customer Satisfaction is Our Priority
- Fast and Reliable Exterminators
- 20 Years of Experience in Pest Control Industry
- Free Quotations
Services
- Silverfish Removal with Cyber WP
- Silverfish Treatments just $330
Locations
- Central Suburbs
- Melbourne CBD
- Inner City -South Yarra, Prahran, Richmond, Essendon, Collingwood
- Eastern Suburbs and South East
- Northern Suburbs
- Western Suburbs
Get a Quote
Request a free quote today from Pro Pest Control Melbourne.
Phone us on 03 4062 5000.
