Color: Gray to light brown.
Size: ½"-5/8" (12-15 mm).
They are most abundant in attics, basements, wall voids, hollow decorative beams, dark closets, bookshelves, and storage rooms. They are often found in sinks, lavatories and bathtubs because they have fallen in and become trapped while seeking moisture.
Little is known about bristletail behavior. Most behavioral studies examined food preference or food suitability. Although most people think that bristletails feed on book bindings and carbohydrates, they actually prefer dried beef, beef extract, dead insects, and other items high in protein. Silverfish cannibalize dead and injured insects. They can survive for weeks without food and water, and more than 300 days if water is available. Silverfish prefer high humidity, although firebrats are more resistant to dryer environments. Silverfish desire cooler temperatures and are usually found in basements. Firebrats prefer warmer temperatures (over 90°F) and are often near furnaces, hot water pipes, attics, and roofing shingles.
Silverfish and firebrats are primarily nuisance insects, usually causing little damage. Although very uncommon, the potential exists for large,uncontrolled infestations of silverfish and firebrats to damage paper, book bindings, wallpaper, cereals, starched fabrics, leather, fur, silk and rayon.Silverfish and firebrats are not associated with the spread of any disease.
- You can also reduce silverfish by removing sources of food, especially in damp areas. You can reduce potential hiding places by removing old papers, books, boxes and other clutter. Seal cracks and crevices, including those found in baseboards, cupboards, and walls to limit harborages.
- Silverfish is associated with damp conditions. You can reduce their numbers by correcting moisture problems, e.g. drying out damp areas with a fan or dehumidifier, repairing leaky pipes, ventilating closed rooms, repairing leaking roofs, or sealing concrete walls and floors. If the problem occurs in a bathroom, make sure the ventilation fan is used during baths and showers. If you cannot move materials, provide air spaces between boxes and other objects to promote air circulation. Keep in mind that as air cools the humidity in that air increases, so using a dehumidifier or gently heating the surrounding air can have a big impact on the infestation.
- If the problem is associated with the roof, make sure that adequate ventilation is provided to avoid moisture accumulation. One particular problem that has been observed in the past was the installation of cedar shakes over a plywood / tarpaper base. Ventilation devices, such as soffit / ridge vents or roof vents must be installed to avoid moisture accumulation. Trees that overhang a roof may also add to the moisture build up and should be pruned back to promote air circulation.
MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS AND TREATMENT FOR Silverfish CONTROL
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often the problem may be solved just by removing these key items. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, it is important to be aware of Pest’s Conducive conditions & It’s Recommendations.
Pesticides can be purchased in many different forms, each form has specific uses and application methods The pesticide application method you choose depends on the nature and habits of the target pest, the properties of the pesticide, the suitability of the application equipment, and the cost and efficiency of alternative methods. Your choice is often predetermined by one or more of these factors. Follow label directions for volume recommendations and application rates based on the pest to be controlled and utilize appropriate application tips on equipment. , these application methods are for informational purposes only. To know specific applications method/s for the product you buy, please refer actual packages for complete Label Verbiage.
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PT Tri-Die Pressurized Dust Insecticide
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PT P I Contact Insecticide
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Pro Control Plus Total Release
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EcoPCO ACU Aerosol Insecticide
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Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol
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SureKill Total Release Aerosol
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Clear Zone Double Impact Farm Fly Spray
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