Silverfish Control in Oshawa
For silverfish control in Oshawa, AstraHive Pest Control inspects the damp areas silverfish need, treats the exterior and interior where the inspection says so, and leaves monitors, all backed by a 90-day warranty. Health Canada's humidity figures show why basements and bathrooms matter more than the weather.
What silverfish need, according to Health Canada
Health Canada says silverfish feed on crumbs, dead insects, starch, glue, wallpaper paste and paper products, and prefer 75 to 95% relative humidity. They live in attics, basements, bathrooms, wall voids, subfloor areas and cracks, around sinks, bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures, and in bookcases, closet shelves and behind baseboards. They can stain fabric, paper, books or wallpaper, and large infestations over a long time can do extensive damage.
| Where in the home | Why silverfish are there | What reduces it |
|---|---|---|
| Basement and subfloor | Damp, cool and undisturbed | Dehumidify areas of excess moisture; repair leaks |
| Bathrooms and around plumbing | Humidity around sinks, tubs and pipes | Ventilate; wrap or insulate pipes with too much moisture; repair leaky faucets |
| Bookcases, closets, behind baseboards | Paper, starch, glue and wallpaper paste to eat | Vacuum often to remove food particles; keep storage clean and organized |
Source: Health Canada, Silverfish and Firebrats.
What Oshawa's climate adds, and what it does not
Weather data cannot measure the air in your basement, so we say plainly: indoor humidity decides this pest. Still, the outdoor numbers show how much water the area gets: the Oshawa station records about 872 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month at the Oshawa station is September at 94 mm, and the driest is March at 54 mm.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean temperature (°C) | -4.8 | -3.6 | 0.4 | 6.6 | 12.3 | 17.6 | 20.6 | 20.0 | 15.9 | 9.5 | 4.2 | -1.2 |
| Total precipitation (mm) | 66 | 57 | 54 | 73 | 79 | 74 | 73 | 77 | 94 | 70 | 85 | 71 |
Environment and Climate Change Canada climate normals, 1981 to 2010, Oshawa WPCP station (4.3 km from Oshawa). A station is the nearest one with a full set of normals, not a reading from your street.
Spring thaw and heavy rain are when basements and window wells are wettest, so that is when a damp-area check pays off. Oshawa's by-law section 5.12.1 requires properties to be kept free of pest infestation, including insects, and conditions that promote it, and dampness is one of those conditions.
Silverfish in your Oshawa home or building?
Our licensed technicians start with an inspection and a clear plan for your property.
Call 905-925-8427How AstraHive Pest Control gets rid of silverfish in Oshawa
- Inspection. We look at where silverfish hide inside and how they get in from the outside, because they do not start inside the home.
- Exterior perimeter barrier. A residual treatment around the foundation, doors, windows and entry points reduces what gets in.
- Interior treatment where needed. Interior residual treatment, or dust in wall voids, only where the inspection shows it is needed.
- Monitors and follow-up. We leave monitors in place after treatment so we can track activity, and we follow up.
All products we use are Health Canada approved and applied according to the product label. Our technicians are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Our silverfish work is backed by a 90-day warranty.
What a silverfish job involves in Oshawa
The inspection starts with moisture: basement walls, the area under sinks, bathrooms and storage. We then treat the exterior perimeter to reduce what comes in, treat the interior where silverfish are found, and leave monitors so you can see the result. Health Canada notes that chemical results are expected in 10 to 14 days, so the follow-up is timed for that.
Frequently asked questions: Oshawa
What humidity do silverfish need?
Health Canada says silverfish prefer 75 to 95% relative humidity, which is why they are found in basements, bathrooms and around plumbing.
What do silverfish eat?
Health Canada lists crumbs, dead insects, starch, glue, wallpaper paste and paper products. They can stain fabric, paper, books and wallpaper.
How do I stop them coming back?
Reduce moisture. Health Canada advises repairing leaky faucets and pipes, ventilating bathrooms, dehumidifying damp areas and vacuuming often.
How long until treatment shows results?
Health Canada says to expect chemical results in about 10 to 14 days. Our follow-up and monitors are timed around that.
Is it a landlord problem in an Oshawa rental?
Section 5.12.1 of Oshawa's by-law requires properties to be kept free of pest infestation and of conditions that promote it. Tell the landlord about damp areas and insects.
Sources
- Health Canada: Silverfish and Firebrats (pest control tips) . humidity, habitat, prevention
- City of Oshawa: Property Standards By-law 1-2002 . sections 4.5.2, 5.5.4 and 5.12.1
- Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 . monthly temperature, precipitation, frost days and degree-days