What are Silverfish & How To Treat Them

Every so often we hear from a concerned customer about a silverfish infestation in their hutch. While we understand the concern, the good news is that these pests are scarier looking than they are harmful. 

Having said that, no one likes the idea of creepy-crawlies sharing a living space with their furry friends. Let’s take a look at what attracts these bugs, and how best to get rid of them.

What Attracts Silverfish?

Silverfish or bristletails can survive in most temperatures, but they definitely have a preference for humid and damp spaces. They also have a penchant for paper, wood, fabrics like blankets and towels, glue and pretty much anything else that retains water.

Prevention is Best

Understanding what causes a silverfish infestation is your first line of defence in preventing it. Because they need moisture to survive, it's essential that you:

• Remove wet or damp hay or grass from the hutch
• Remove damp newspaper, bedding and wooden toys or accessories
• Remove any leaf or woodpiles near the hutch
• Make sure the hutch is well ventilated and that it doesn’t become humid

Is it Safe to Use a Pesticide?

It’s natural to want to eliminate pests of any sort as quickly as possible, and the most effective way of doing this is with a pesticide. However, most commercial products pose a serious threat to pets, which is why we recommend natural remedies to prevent, repel and destroy infestations.

Whichever route you take, be sure to discuss it with your vet so that you don't put your animals at risk.