Long-tailed silverfish
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum
Long-tailed silverfish can occur in drier rooms and damage materials such as paper. Increasing ventilation alone is therefore not a complete solution.
Identifying long-tailed silverfish
Long-tailed silverfish are wingless, greyer and hairier than silverfish, with long antennae and tail filaments. Look at several characteristics; a brief sighting in the dark is often insufficient.
Paper, boxes and dry rooms
Archives, bookcases and stored boxes provide food or hiding places. Check materials for feeding damage, but do not immediately attribute damage to long-tailed silverfish: other causes are possible.
Boxes and belongings can provide a route for spread. Check stored items and avoid unknowingly moving suspect materials into other rooms.
What can you improve yourself?
Reduce unnecessary cardboard, keep storage organised and inspect skirting boards and joints. Protect valuable documents in suitable sealed storage.
If activity occurs in several rooms, arrange a coordinated inspection. Reducing moisture alone does not work as it does for silverfish; species identification and an understanding of the spread are important.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further information
General information, not a diagnosis for your location. Have the species identified if in doubt. Consult a healthcare professional about health symptoms and do not use pesticides without appropriate instructions.
Further reading
Help for your business
RBL Services helps business clients in Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Flevoland. Discuss an inspection for your business premises, kitchen, production site or homeowners’ association.
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