pest_silverfish

Silverfish are extremely difficult to control, particularly if they have become well established. In more recent years bulk storage of building materials prior to construction, particularly plasterboard which has a paper covering glued to the plaster core, provides a ready home for silverfish. They are built into the structure and multiply and become a nuisance.

PREVENTION METHODS AVAILABLE

Liquid spray is supplemented by dust to the interior living space to the skirtings and to the cupboards. Dusting of ceilings. A number of treatments may need to be carried out. When your Heritage technician comes out to take care of your pest problem, he will have a range of suggestions that will assist in the management of this pest

SILVERFISH

	There are up to 28 species of Silverfish in Australia and 370 in the world. In their natural habitat they live under bark, in soil, amongst leaf litter and debris on the ground. They have silvery-grey flattened bodies and most species are covered in loose scales. Their loose scales detach easily and probably serve as a means of escaping from predators. Silverfish are fast running. They hide during the day and reappear at night to feed.
In Australia there are about five species that have successfully claimed themselves the title of pests. They exploit built environments by feeding on and often damaging books, paper and clothing. In particular they damage the starchy glues and sizings on these items. No disease transmission is known. Silverfish are extremely difficult to control, particularly if they have become well established. In more recent years bulk storage of building materials prior to construction, particularly plasterboard which has a paper covering glued to the plaster core, provides a ready home for silverfish. They are built into the structure and multiply and become a nuisance. PREVENTION METHODS AVAILABLE Liquid spray is supplemented by dust to the interior living space to the skirtings and to the cupboards. Dusting of ceilings. A number of treatments may need to be carried out. When your Heritage technician comes out to take care of your pest problem, he will have a range of suggestions that will assist in the management of this pest