# Vermin attack. What to do?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 8, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922 "2002-11-08T19:46:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/1 "2002-11-08T19:46:42Z")

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I just moved into a new apartment. I inherited some stuff from the previous tenant. I can deal with a fridge painted green and faulty electrical outlets.

But I never had to deal with insects. **Silverfish** to be precise. In the bathroom.  
How do I get rid of the little buggers? Any suggestions?

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**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/2 "2002-11-08T20:26:08Z")

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Yeah, silver and green kinda clash.

Can you bomb the place before you’re all unpacked? (bomb as in air fumigating, invasive pesticide)

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**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/3 "2002-11-08T20:38:33Z")

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Discovered them when I was all unpacked.  
They’re in the bathroom which is gonna de re-done, with new plumbing, fixtures, tiles and stuff, “some time next year, if it fits in the budget”, according to the landlord…

When I go in to take a shower, I just hose them down the drain, but my fear is that they’re gonna migrate to the kitchen. Maybe I should start feeding them in the bathroom to keep them there?

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**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/4 "2002-11-08T20:45:27Z")

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[Frasier Crane]  
Food in the bathroom?  
[/Frasier Crane]

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**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/5 "2002-11-08T20:53:01Z")

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This is from [insectcop.com](http://insectcop.com)…

> [@](#):
>
> DESCRIPTION: \<snip\>Silverfish are not often seen by homeowners because they are nocturnal and can run very swiftly. Occasionally, they are found in bathtubs. They crawl in seeking food or moisture and can’t climb out. These insects prefer vegetable matter with a high carbohydrate and protein content. However, indoors they will feed on almost anything. A partial list includes dried beef, flour, starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, molds and breakfast cereals.
> 
> TYPE OF DAMAGE: A household pest, they feed on cereals and non-food items such as paste, paper, starch in clothes, rayon fabrics and dried meats.
> 
> CONTROL: Sanitation alone will not eliminate an infestation, although it may prevent new ones from starting. A large infestation usually means the house has been infested for some time.
> 
> Residual insecticides (use an aerosol) will help to control these pests. Removing old papers, boxes, books, and clothes from the attic to basement will help remove food and hiding places. Moth crystals placed in boxes in the attic will also help.
> 
> INTERESTING FACTS: They can go for up to one year without food.

Breakfast cereal?

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**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2002, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vermin-attack-what-to-do/135922/6 "2002-11-08T22:25:19Z")

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I’ve been meaning to get a dog. I want a pet.  
Seems I’ve got it. ::sigh::