A leading pest controller has seen a whopping increase in callouts to deal a skin-eating insect that can cause widespread damage to homes.
Rentokill has seen an increase of 143% in calls to deal with infestations of silverfish between April and September 2019, when compared with the same period last year.
Dublin accounts for over have of total calls to deal with the bugs, who feed on on human debris such as dead skin and hair.
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for the company said:“Rentokil has seen a huge increase in callouts for these pests in the past six months.
"As we enter into the colder months, we expect that callouts will continue to rise as the insects seek shelter in homes and businesses.
"Silverfish thrive in damp and humid conditions and can often be found in dark, damp areas such as bathrooms, basements and attics."
The creepy crawlies measure approximately 13-25mm in length, and are generally nocturnal.
They are silver or grey in colour, and are teardrop shaped, with tiny scales and two antennae and can lay up to 60 eggs per day.
Silverfish eggs are hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate.
As well as dead skin and hair, the critters feed on starch and cellulose, meaning an infestation can result in damage to books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items.
Top tips for getting rid of silverfish
- Deny them food by vacuuming and keeping dust and debris to a minimum.
- Store food in containers with tightly sealed lids.
- Homes and businesses should also dehumidify their premises through the use of fans, dehumidifiers, or by opening windows to air them out.
- Make sure all cracks in walls and skirting boards are filled.
