Able to thrive in almost all kinds of climatic conditions, silverfish prefers to live in damp, dark places like attics, basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They are attracted especially to damp clothing and paper and are found commonly in stored boxes in sheds and garages.
Silverfish generally feed on carbohydrates, especially starches and sugars. Shampoos, cellulose, glue in linen, books, dead insects and silk can even be its food source. It undergoes love dances before mating. The males lay spermatophores that are taken into ovipositor of the female specimens. The egg numbers of females and their habits vary, depending on the species. One species lays some eggs a day whereas another species lays clusters of two to twenty eggs.
Mostly homeowners detect silverfish when they find one on the floor or in bathtub or in a sink. Their feeding damage may also indicate their presence, along with their little pepperlike feces. The predators of silverfish include centipedes, spiders and earwigs.
Silverfish are nocturnal & can move very fast. The severity of their infestation can go unnoticed for a long period of time meaning it can grow exponentially without being unnoticed for long. Silverfish can reproduce very quickly and are popular for their destructive feeding habits, most of the time ruining papers, wallpaper and clothing. They mainly infest damp, dark areas around linen sources and paper and may be found in laundry rooms, kitchens, attics, basements and bathrooms.
Silverfish can survive in all kinds of environment but they love staying in areas that have high humidity. The nymphs actually develop faster in areas, which are humid. Thus, the best way to prevent their infestation is to control the humidity. In open vents, crawl spaces and basements, basements can be used with caulking. Since these insects eat a wide range of foods, stringent housekeeping practices can help prevent their infestation by limiting the potential feeding sites.
If your house is already infested with silverfish population, hire a local professional who deals with such issues of Pest Management In North Shore. Traps sold in stores can also be of great help in eliminating the population. Some people try using cinnamon for repelling silverfish from some areas. This is an effective measure but it doesn't kill the eggs or the insects.
