Pest control experts have warned over a rise in nocturnal insects that can cause extensive damage to our property.
Reports of the bugs are surging as the weather quickly gets colder, and they are coming inside to lay eggs.
Silverfish can lay 60 eggs a day, meaning one or two bugs quickly becomes an infestation, reports DublinLive.
Pest control provider Rentokil say they are now responding to a high number of call-outs.
The insects move inside to see warmth and shelter - as well as food and somewhere to lay eggs - in the winter and autumn.
An infestation can result in damage to books, photographs, paintings, plaster, and other household items.
Silverfish eat both starch and cellulose - and they also feed on human debris such as dead skin and hair.
Homeowners are most likely to find silverfish in dark, damp, and humid areas such as bathrooms, basements, and attics.
The nocturnal insects that are silver or grey in colour, giving them their distinctive name.
They measure approximately 10-12mm in length with tiny scales and two antennae and have a tapered, tail-like appearance.
A Rentokil spokesman said: "While silverfish aren’t dangerous, they can become a major inconvenience because of their appetite for starch and cellulose, which can lead to them damaging valuable items by feeding on them.”
Members of the public can find out more about silverfish on the Rentokil website.
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
