Silverfish - Silverfish feed on mold and starchy materials that are found on paper. Silverfish are small gray insects (grow from eggs to approximately 12mm in length). They have a scaly appearance. Silverfish are generally found in dark, cool and moist environments such as basements. Evidence of silverfish damage is visible as an abraded, rough or holed surface on paper materials.  
 
I guess that we have all seen these insects from time to time but what should we do if a customers brings work to us that has a silverfish infestation? Once spotted the silverfish are easily destroyed however their eggs may not be clearly visable and if left will hatch and the problem will reoccur. We had such a piece come to us recently so we did some homework and came up with the following procedure:
 

• Prepare a clean work area covered by a sheet of plastic or paper to catch any debris.

• Dismantle the framed item and bush down all components catching the debris on the plastic. Any live silverfish can be easily killed and the debris can be wrapped and disposed of.

• Wrap dismantled components in plastic so that they are totally sealed.

• Freeze the package for 3 to 4 week.

 
Freezing has the effect of destroying the eggs and you don't have to worry about using harmfull chemicals.
 
You could use a domestic freeze or if the piece is too large you can find a commercial freezer company who will freeze and store the item for you.
 
Happy framing
Geoff T