GETTING RID OF SILVERFISH

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GETTING RID OF SILVERFISH

These little bugs are the secret agents of household pests. Typically attracted to cool, damp places, but capable of thriving in most climates, silverfish are common but, because of their quick nocturnal movements, they’re incredibly hard to spot.

Not picky eaters, they’ll chomp almost anything, including paper, book bindings, wallpaper and clothing, and are commonly found in the basement, attic, kitchen or bathroom, as well as in storage boxes in garages and sheds.

Silverfish may be stealthy, but they’re still no match for your preventative measures. To keep them at bay, store winter clothes in vacuum-packed plastic bags during summer and make sure they’re dry-cleaned or washed before long periods of storage. Line drawers with plastic sheeting instead of paper and avoid stacking old newspapers on the floor. Store them in plastic bags until recycling day.

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EXPERT ADVICE

“When the weather gets cool, the cockroaches are much less active,” says Smith. “They almost go dormant, even though they don’t necessarily die out.”

FUN FACTS

FOOD? WHO NEEDS IT?

Known to target food that’s high in protein and carbohydrates, silverfish can survive up to a year without food.