A warning has been issued to Irish householders of a massive increase in silverfish in homes and businesses across the country in recent months.

Silverfish are wingless insects that thrive in conditions of high humidity and are known for feeding off household items including books, photographs, paintings, and plaster.

They also have an appetite for hair, dead skin and shampoo, meaning they are often found in bathrooms.

Pest control company Rentokil has reported a 171% increase in the number of people calling with silverfish issues in their homes in January 2018 in comparison to the same period in 2017.

The company has suggested that the recent bad weather is to blame for the spike, as damp conditions are ideal for the insect to thrive.

Rentokil's Area Technical Manager, Colm Moore, said: "In small numbers, silverfish are not really a problem and you can easily get rid of them, but a large infestation can be a serious issue for your home or business."

Rentokil is now advising Irish homeowners to prevent Silverfish by keeping dust to a minimum, vacuuming your home thoroughly, storing food in tightly sealed containers and opening windows to avoid rooms becoming humid.

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