Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
Description
The silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is a small wingless insect, 10–12 mm long, with a tapered body covered in silvery scales and three long rear appendages. It moves quickly with a sinuous motion.
It favours damp, dark places — bathrooms, kitchens, behind wallpaper and near pipes — and is active at night. It feeds on substances rich in starch and sugars: paper, adhesives, fabrics and food residues. It is long-lived and can tolerate periods without food.
Key characteristics
10–12 mm
Silvery, scaly, 3 rear appendages
Damp, dark places (bathrooms, kitchens)
Nocturnal, fast, avoids light
Starches, paper, adhesives, fabrics
Risks and spread
Silverfish are not harmful to health, but can damage paper, books and fabrics and indicate excess moisture.
- Damage to paper and books — Gnaws at pages, bindings, labels and documents.
- Damage to fabrics — Can attack fabrics and materials containing starch or glue.
- Moisture indicator — Its presence signals moisture conditions that need correcting.
Prevention
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1
Reduce humidity and improve ventilation
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2
Repair leaks and remove standing water near pipes and sanitary fittings
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3
Store paper, books and fabrics in dry places
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4
Seal cracks and hiding places along skirting boards and utility installations
Our intervention
TIsistemo addresses the cause (moisture) and, where needed, applies targeted treatments in hiding places.
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Site inspection Checking damp areas and the insect's hiding places.
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Moisture control Advice on reducing humidity and ventilating rooms.
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Targeted treatment Specific products in cracks and hiding places where necessary.
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Monitoring Checking results over time.
Same category
Other pests we handle
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