DATE:    12/28/00
WRITERS: Eric Benson, (864)656-7860, Clemson Extension specialist
         Pat Zungoli, (864) 656-3137, Clemson Extension specialist
EDITOR:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

                                        WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/PSAMEDIA

From silver bells to silverfish:
Prevent packing pests after the holidays

     CLEMSON -- After the holidays, many homeowners dutifully box 
and store their ornaments, wrapping paper and other seasonal items. 
To make sure that all of the holiday items are found in good shape 
next year, now is the time to change focus from silver bells to silverfish.
     Silverfish are pests because they feed on a wide variety of
materials, including glue, paste, starch in clothing, bookbindings,
linen, wrapping paper and dried organic ornaments. Signs of their
feeding are irregularly chewed patches.
     Often silver to gray in color, silverfish are flat, wingless
insects. Their 1/2 to 3/4 inch bodies taper from head to tail. At 
the head are two long antennae with three long antennae-like 
structures at the tail. They are active at night and hide during
the day.
     Homeowners usually see these insects when a cabinet door is 
opened or storage boxes are moved. Occasionally silverfish will 
get trapped in a sink or bathtub, because they are unable to crawl 
up the smooth porcelain.
     In general, silverfish prefer damp, cool areas and can be 
found throughout the home. Undisturbed storage areas are a common 
place to find them.
     Adult silverfish may live two to eight years. In a lifetime,
silverfish females lay about 100 eggs. Depending on the species,
silverfish typically reach maturity in three to 24 months. Their
populations tend to increase slowly.
     If a large infestation is present in your house, it is a 
sign of a longtime infestation.
     Sanitation usually provides the best control. Make sure 
items, especially fabrics, are clean and free of starch before 
storing. Keep items in tight-fitting containers, if possible. 
Removing numerous stacks of papers, boxes, magazines, books and 
fabrics will also aid in controlling silverfish.
     Many infestations are localized. Altering the environment 
by eliminating moisture, sealing cracks and crevices, and removing
holiday displays made from food sources can greatly aid in control
efforts. Since these pests often reside between wall partitions 
and between items, try to keep storage boxes a few inches away 
from wall and raised off the floor.
     Reducing moisture problems in storage areas and lowering 
the relative humidity in a home with dehumidifiers and fans is 
often helpful. 
     If the silverfish are difficult to control with sanitation 
only, boric acid powder puffed into cracks and crevices and around 
the storage area may aid in control. Be aware that control may 
take 10 to 14 days since silverfish in wall voids or boxes must 
move out and contact the boric acid powder.
     Before using any pesticide, always read the label and follow
directions and safety precautions. If the infestation proves to 
be especially difficult to control, consider hiring a pest 
management professional.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to PSA 
Media Relations, A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson 
University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129. You might also want to check 
out our website at http://www.clemson.edu/psamedia.
                             END