Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are common throughout Queensland. Their fish-like movements and appetite for carbohydrates (including books and fabrics) make them not only creepy, but also destructive. Effective Sunshine Coast silverfish control depends on getting rid of adult silverfish, as well as eggs and nymphs. Understanding the silverfish life cycle is key to successful pest control.
Silverfish develop through a process known as gradual metamorphosis. This means that unlike most insects who have four life stages (complete metamorphosis), silverfish only have three: egg, nymph, and adult.
Silverfish Eggs
Female silverfish can lay eggs any time during the year. Depending on the species, she may lay 1-3 eggs per day or clusters of 2-20 eggs at a time. Silverfish eggs are elliptical in shape. They start out soft and white, but will get harder and more yellowish within a few hours. Climate conditions influence how long the eggs take to develop, but the range is usually about 19-60 days until they hatch. Silverfish deposit their eggs in cracks and crevices throughout the inside of homes, attics, basements, etc. The eggs are rarely visible to the human eye, but must be treated if you hope to completely get rid of the silverfish.
Silverfish Nymphs
When a silverfish egg hatches, the nymph looks like a miniature version of the adult, but is not sexually mature. Before long, the silverfish nymph will begin to molt. It will continue to develop and molt throughout its life. Some species of silverfish can molt more than 50 times!
Silverfish Adults
The process of going from egg to adult generally takes 3-4 months when conditions are warm and moist. Development may slow drastically in cooler climates, and can take up to 2 years. The overall lifespan of a silverfish is approximately 3 years in optimal climate conditions. In homes, the perfect silverfish hiding places are areas that are warm, dark, and humid. They are often found under sinks, in bathtubs, under kitchen appliances, and in garages and crawl spaces.
Silverfish Control
In order to get rid of silverfish, you need a pest professional who understands the silverfish life cycle and knows how to treat the eggs, nymphs, and adults. It is important for the technician to treat common harborages so that the entire infestation is eliminated. Radar Pest Control specializes in silverfish control, along with termites, roaches, wasps, rodents, spiders and ants. For pest control in Buderim and pest control in Nambour, you won’t find better than Radar Pest Control.