Historically, Norway has a cold climate that prompts a damp environment in winter and summer. This climate is favorable for many insects and bugs, including silverfish. Silverfish are tiny metallic and silvery bugs that got their name for their color and fish-like movements.
The Norwegian government took great initiative to eradicate silverfish populations. Different government authorities, including top pest control experts, collaborated and developed several innovative approaches to combating silverfish infestations. Their strategies have proven effective in exterminating a significant percentage of silverfish, and that’s how Norway became the global leader in pest control.
Here, we will explore Norway’s breakthrough in silverfish management and how they achieved a sustainable and eco-friendly method. Let’s delve into the details.
What is Silverfish?
Silverfish are household insects that live in moist, humid, and dark places, such as houses, shops, and public establishments like libraries in Norway and other European countries. They feed on paper, books, clothes, paper-based materials, and vegetables. Silverfish are not a direct threat to humans, but they can cause severe damage to house and properties.
Norway’s Silverfish Invasion in 2013
Silverfish were first observed in Norway in 2013. These nocturnal bugs were growing rapidly, causing public concern. The sudden infestations became a key problem for the locals, prompting researchers, pest control experts, and companies to seek sustainable solutions.
The Research Initiative: Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is the pioneer research authority combating silverfish infestation. A prominent research group led by senior researcher Bjørn Arne Rukke collaborated with the Norwegian Pest Control Association (NPCA) and other top pest control experts to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the issues and find effective management strategies.
This research involved both laboratory and field work, aspiring to achieve a method that was not only working but also safe, long-lasting, and affordable to all.
Poison Bait Method: The Breakthrough Strategy
NIPH and NPCA developed an innovative approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). They applied several key methods under this initiative, including poison bait, which is one of the groundbreaking approaches.
After extensive testing, the research groups, insurance companies, and pest control contractors found that poison bait was the most effective strategy for silverfish extermination. This method uses an active insecticide called indoxacarb, which acts against insects, especially silverfish.
The Mechanism and Results
The poison bait method involves making many small droplets with the indoxacarb ingredient and strategically placing them in moist, humid, dark areas and corners. The study found that this action eradicated 90% of the silverfish population, and after seven months, no silverfish were observed.
Also, silverfish demonstrated cannibalistic behavior. So, when they consumed the dead and poisoned ones, they got infected and died, too. This secondary poisoning significantly excelled the treatment; they caused their own demise.
Eco-Friendly Approaches
Apart from the groundbreaking poison bait method, the government implemented several environmentally conscious strategies. These methods are not only effective but also safe and easy to apply.
- Detect the presence of silverfish using glue traps.
- Place the precise amount of bait.
- Apply the effective strategy to the entire apartment complex or buildings to prevent in-infestation.
- Regular cleaning and dry mopping.
- Seal and fix the cracks.
- Install proper ventilation and get a dehumidifier.
- Consult with a professional pest control company in Norway like Skadeyrkontroll1 AS.
Final Thoughts
Silverfish can spread rapidly and are difficult to eradicate. However, with the help of researchers and pest control experts, Norway developed safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly approaches to combat silverfish. They have not only addressed the infestation issues effectively but have provided a standard for other regions to follow.