Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina

Silverfish are insects of a primitive type; flat, wingless, grey in colour with three tail like appendages at the end of the abdomen. Silverfish are nocturnal and very active at night. They run rapidly and their style of movement resembles that of a swimming fish, hence the name silverfish. Feeding on carbohydrates, they can be particularly destructive to anything containing starch. Their diet includes paste, sizing, book bindings, glucose, flour, cereals, glue, starch, papers and fabrics. They prefer warm damp conditions and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, cylinder cupboards and libraries.

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How to get rid of Silverfish

1. Treat the surfaces of all areas where silverfish have been seen with a surface residual (long lasting) insecticide spray such as those listed below.
2. Pay particular attention to places you have seen silverfish and warm dark areas such as under sink units, below baths, roof voids, behind skirting, behinf fridges and ffreezers etc.

NO SILVERFISH AND CARPET BEETLE CONCENTRATE

Quick knockdown by dermal action. Long term protection for many months, especially in areas where the product is not exposed to UV light. Dilute with water and lightly spray over all surfaces frequented by Silverfish.  Remove books from bookcases, spray the shelf and backing areas, replace books and spray with a fine film.

Sinks, showers, baths, drains, cupboards and skirting areas should always receive a thorough spraying.

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NO SILVERFISH CARPET BEETLE TRIGGER

Convenient, ready to use spray.  No dilution needed.

Great to have the trigger pack on hand  when evidence of  silverfish or carpet beetle is noticed.  The area can immediately be sprayed and any infestation controlled.

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NO FLEAS TOTAL CONCENTRATE

NO Fleas Total is the complete solution for Flea control and other crawling insect pests such as carpet beetle, silverfish and moth larvae.  This product breaks the insect breeding cycle by killing adults, eggs and larvae. Any female insects that have come in contact with NO Fleas Total, but not yet died will only lay sterile eggs.  NO Fleas Total provides indoor control of fleas for up to 4 months. Dilute with water to make a cost effective, easy to use spray.

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NO FLEAS TOTAL READY TO USE SPRAY

The Trigger pack has all the benefits of No Fleas concentrate but requires no mixing and is ready to use. Ideal to have on hand for ‘spot infestations’

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NO BUGS SUPER CONCENTRATE PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH

This stronger than normal residual insecticide is used by professionals to control pest insects and spiders in more difficult situations.

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Silverfish are hardy creatures and can live for several months without food. They will live in soil, and under stones and are particularly fond of insulated ceilings.

Silverfish do not go through metamorphosis, they go straight from eggs to nymphs. Their mouth parts are formed for chewing and they have up to 13 body segments and 3 pairs of legs.

Active all year round, they breed mainly in the spring and summer. The number of eggs laid varies greatly, and they are laid progressively and indiscriminately.

Full development can take up to 4 years or more, during which time the nymphs moult and grow many times.

An unusual feature of silverfish is that the female becomes sexually mature and lays eggs long before she has ceased to moult and grow.

Silverfish are not normally regarded as vectors of disease although they are well known for frequenting drains and ducting.

Classroom Clips

• Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) 12mm long with 3 tail appendages is European in origin.
• Bristle Tails (Metriocampa philpotti) 6mm long with 2 tail appendages and is New Zealand native.
• Both insects belong to the insect order Thysanura.
• There have been instances of complete pages of manuscripts destroyed with only the ink and print face left undisturbed.

Metamorphosis:

There are four general methods of metamorphosis in insects, namely:

• Without change, as in Silverfish
• Gradual change, as in Cockroaches, Termites and Grasshoppers;
• Incomplete change, as in Dragonflies and Stoneflies;
• Complete change, as in Beetles (Grass Grub), Moths (Porina), Butterflies (Cabbage White Butterfly), Flies, Ants, Bees and Wasps