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Description: These small, silver-scaled insects are
shaped more like a carrot than a fish. Two long antennae project
from the front of the insect while three, bristly antenna-like
appendages project from the rear. Average length is about 1/2-inch,
average lifetime: two to three and 1/2 years.
Habits: Silverfish prefer dark, warm moist areas such
as attics, closets, baseboards, and around bathroom fixtures.
They feed on carbohydrates and proteins contained in flour, starch,
cereal, paper, drywall and natural fiber clothing (cotton, linen).
They are active at night and, when discovered, scurry quickly
to hiding places in small cracks and crevices.
Potential hazards: Silverfish damage books, wallpaper,
flooring and clothing. Signs of silverfish damage include uneven
holes in paper or small yellow stains on fabrics.
Control: Applications should be made in cracks and
crevices and potential breeding areas such as basements, attics,
cupboards, closets, crawl spaces and behind baseboards. Carpeting
should also be treated.
Prevention:
- Reduce moisture levels and increase available lighting in
known silverfish hideouts.
- Vacuum regularly and use a crevice attachment, and clean
up food or clutter on which silverfish feed.
- Keep organic materials, such as grass clippings, away from
a structure. Make sure spaces around doors, windows and vents
are sealed.
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