Jack - Silverfish in a large collection storage area often live in the cracks of the expansion joints around the perimeter of the concrete slabs and where columns meet the slab. They also congregate on the underside of pallets. The best solution is to caulk the expansion joints. I know this means a lot of work for staff to move items away from the perimeter, but in the long run, it's a permanent solution.
If you use flat, cardboard glueboards for monitoring, they will often congregate under the glueboard. I often find silverfish eating the printing off the undersides of glueboards. Here's a trick: place a penny in the glue on each corner and one in the center; then turn the glueboard upside-down. You'll be surprised how well this works to trap silverfish, psocids, and springtails. That is, as long as no one steps on it. I would not recommend the use of silica gel, such as Drione, out in the open. It should be used in voids under cabinetry ranges, in electrical boxes, and in pipe chases. If you want to use a residual spray, use an encapsulated formulation. These types of formulations are insecticidally active for at least 3 months. Any number are registered for use against silverfish. If you use an emulsifiable concentrate, it will be sucked into the concrete and not be available for the insect to contact it. Thomas A. Parker, PhD President, Entomologist Pest Control Services, Inc. 469 Mimosa Circle Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444 -2277 -----Original Message----- From: Jack Wiler <jwi...@acmeexterminating.com> To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 1:15 pm Subject: [pestlist] Silverfish in library collection space I have a client with sporadic sightings of silverfish (primarily on monitors) throughout the area where the collection is stored. The area is on the second floor of the building and is maintained at 49-70 degrees. I’ve asked them to step up their monitoring program but was wondering if or how any pesticidal applications might be beneficial? We’re discussing use of aerosolized silica dust but are open to other thoughts. The storage area is quite large and access to the perimeter is limited for the most part by the collection itself. Any thoughts? Jack Wiler Accounts Manager Acme Exterminating Corp. 365 W. 36 St. New York, NY 10018 212-594-9230 Office 347-834-1576 Mobile 212-736-2746 FAX No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.557 / Virus Database: 270.12.0/2068 - Release Date: 4/19/2009 8:04 PM
