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25th Oct 2019

Dublin sees massive increase in skin-eating Silverfish insects

Olivia Hayes

They’re back.

Only eight months ago silverfish started invading homes during a particular cold spell, and now it seems they’re back.

Silverfish can eat through dead skin cells, hair, and can even feast through walls and wallpaper. It is said that they thrive on households that clog up moisture. Which in other words means if you’ve been cooking/showering and haven’t been opening your windows (because it’s freezing) that’s their optimum breeding space.

According to Dublin Live, pest control company Rentokill said that it has seen a 143 percent increase in calls to extract the insects from homes in recent months compared to the same time last year.

The company told the publication: “As we enter into the colder months, we expect that callouts will continue to rise as the insects seek shelter in homes and businesses.

“Silverfish thrive in damp and humid conditions and can often be found in dark, damp areas such as bathrooms, basements and attics.”

Ranjen Gohri, from 24|7 Home Rescue said: “Silverfish are actually the oldest known pests on earth.

“And if you’re spotting tiny holes in your clothes or curtains, you might have an infestation without even realising it. They’ll eat anything. But skin cells are a delicacy to silverfish.

“And they like to leave their calling card – in the shape of tiny yellow stains wherever they’ve been.”

If you want to keep the pests away, the best thing to do is keep your house as clean as possible.

“Daily cleaning to keep on top of things and then a weekly good going over means silverfish won’t have a good reason to stick around.

“Keep dust off books, and keep the bathroom floor mopped so there’s no dead skins cells around. Chuck out your old newspapers/mags so you’re not leaving them things to chomp at.”