Silverfish

Silverfish are approximately 12mm in length, have flat elongated bodies which are grey/silver in colour. They have two long antennae at the head and three antenna-like appendages at the rear.

Where do they live?

Silverfish are nocturnal and may go unnoticed for a long period of time. They often live in damp conditions such as kitchens and bathrooms, but may also be found in many other areas that offer damp and cool conditions.

What do they eat?

Silverfish will feed on a wide variety of foods including wallpaper paste, glue, bookbindings which are damp and fragments of dead insects.

Pest status:

Silverfish are not pests of public health significance. They do not bite humans, nor are they likely to transmit disease.

Hygiene:

Remove any old newspapers, magazines, books and fabrics from the infested area.
Insecticidal Control

Before carrying out an insecticide treatment against silverfish, the humidity in the infested area should be reduced, as this will help eradicate the problem.

An insecticide suitable for the treatment of crawling insect pests should be applied to the infested area, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices.

Professional Help:

Wirral Borough Council does not provide a service. However, commercial Pest Control Companies are listed in the Yellow Pages and Thompson's Local Directory.

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label!