A type of revolting and damaging insect will infest every single Dublin home this winter causing huge problems unless specific precautions are taken.
Rentokil, Ireland's leading pest control provider, has issued a warning after an 89% callout increase for silverfish over the last three months compared to the previous three.
The significant jump in the disgusting and problematic insects is due to the dip in weather conditions with the creepy crawlies seeking shelter indoors as temperatures drop.
Silverfish are about one centimetre in length, silver or grey in colour, and are teardrop shaped, with tiny scales and two antennae.
They can lay up to 60 eggs every day, so a small problem can quickly become a large one if they invade your premises.
Dublin accounted for 56% of those callouts with the comapny predicting rising complaints as the insects find comfort in dark, damp, and humid areas such as bathrooms, basements and attics between now and next Spring.
An infestation of silverfish can result in damage to books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items as they feed on both starch and cellulose.
They also feed on human debris such as dead skin and hair with their eggs hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate.
But Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil, has issued a four-point plan to keep these ugly beasts at bay.
These are:
- 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.”
He added: “Rentokil has experienced a recent increase in silverfish callouts, and we expect this trend to increase in the coming months, as these insects tend to seek shelter in homes and businesses as the weather gets colder outside. These are the steps that home and business owners can take to get rid of or prevent the presence of these insects.
