Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, silvery insects that are mainly found in damp rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens or cellars. They are shy of light and are usually active at night. They feed on starchy materials such as paper, paste or skin flakes, but can also be found in food.

What attracts silverfish

Silverfish prefer high humidity and high temperatures. That’s why you often find them in poorly ventilated bathrooms or damp places in the house. They like to hide in cracks and joints, they are harmless to humans and do not transmit diseases. However, silverfish can damage materials such as wallpaper or books over time. In this case, it is important to find their nest in good time.

What to do if you discover silverfish in the bathroom

If you discover silverfish in your bathroom, the first thing you should do is reduce the damp environment they like to live in. This means repairing leaks, airing out regularly and removing any water build-up or standing moisture. It is then important to clean the bathroom thoroughly to remove any food particles and hiding places where the silverfish could be hiding.

Home remedies such as lavender or Baking powderto keep the animals away. Chemical agents are not usually necessary as they do not cause any serious damage.

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Control and prevention

If the infestation is more severe, professional pest control measures can be considered in more serious cases. Ultimately, however, continuous maintenance and cleanliness will help to minimize the risk of re-infestation. Regular ventilation and the sealing of cracks and crevices can prevent infestation.

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Are you looking for a carnivorous plant that looks beautiful, catches insects and is still super easy to care for? Then you should definitely take a look at the butterwort, also known as Pinguicula 🛒 called Pinguicula. This enchanting carnivore is perfect for beginners and will spoil you not only with its fascinating sticky traps, but also with its pretty flowers. To help you care for it effortlessly, you can find all the important tips about butterwort here – from choosing a location to propagation.

The right location is crucial

Pinguicula loves bright, but not too sunny places. The Mexican species in particular thrive on a windowsill with plenty of light but no draughts. You can recognize the ideal spot by the fact that the leaves turn a beautiful green and are covered with shiny sticky drops. These not only serve to catch prey, but also show that your butterwort is completely happy. Some species can even cope with chalky tap water – a real advantage over many other carnivores.

How to water Pinguicula correctly

Watering pinguicula works differently to normal houseplants. Simply place the pot in a saucer with 1-2 cm of water so that the substrate can soak up water from below. Allow the water to disappear completely before topping up. Rain or distilled water is ideal, but tap water is actually permitted for this plant.

Butterwort in winter: Observe the dormant period

Not every Pinguicula grows the same throughout the year. Many species, especially those from Europe, retreat in winter and form so-called hibernacula – a kind of hibernating bud. During this time, water less and ensure cooler temperatures. Tropical species, on the other hand, continue to grow and enjoy a constant climate on the windowsill.

Repotting and propagating

Butterwort grows slowly, so it is sufficient to repot the plant every few years. If a root breaks off, it’s no problem – the plant quickly forms new roots in moist substrate. You can even propagate your butterwort very easily: Break off a leaf with a base and place it on slightly moist substrate. Small offspring will soon sprout from the break.

How to keep your butterwort healthy

Butterworts are considered to be particularly uncomplicated if you keep a few things in mind: a bright location, mineral substrate and not too much moisture in winter. You will be rewarded with numerous pretty flowers in white, purple or pink – all year round. Whether you want to get rid of fungus gnats or are simply looking for an unusual plant, it’s definitely worth buying a butterwort plant.

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Do you want an easy-care, decorative and useful houseplant? Then the butterwort is just the thing. With a little light, the right watering technique and a suitable location, you will be able to enjoy your Pinguicula have – without any green fingers.

Source: Green Jaws

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You may have come across the following call at a glass container: “Please do not throw any unwashed honey jars into the glass container!” Is someone being particularly clean here, or is there a specific reason for this request? Yes, there is! American foulbrood can wipe out entire bee colonies in this country! You can read here how the simple act of washing out empty honey jars can prevent this.

Why you should always rinse honey jars

Recycling used glass is a matter of honor. When the honey jar is empty, it goes into the glass container. However, beekeepers have been warning for several years about the devastating consequences that honey residue in jars can have on the local bee population. They ask people to put honey jars in the dishwasher or wash them thoroughly by hand before disposing of them. The reason: the spread of American foulbrood.

American foulbrood – bee disease on the rise

American foulbrood is a disease that is completely harmless to humans. However, it poses a serious threat to bees. In the worst case, it can wipe out entire bee colonies. This is why the disease is also known as bee plague.

American foulbrood is a bacterial blood disease. The spores of the bacterium enter healthy bee colonies with contaminated honey. If the bee colony is weakened, the combs are taken over by other bee colonies, which in turn become infected. The disease can affect huge areas in this way.

The name American foulbrood is not an indication of the origin of the disease. It occurs worldwide. A beekeepers’ association estimates that 80 to 90 % of imported honey contains American foulbrood spores. This is due to the fact that infected bee colonies in non-European countries are usually treated with antibiotics. Although this keeps the bees healthy, the spores of the pathogen are not combated.

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In Germany and other European countries, for example, American foulbrood repeatedly spreads via honey residues in used glass containers. The disease is particularly common near glass containers, landfill sites and highway service stations. Bees love to collect the finished honey – especially in summer when the flowers have faded.

Which honey jars should I rinse?

If you buy imported honey from non-EU countries, which is usually cheaper, you should actually rinse your empty honey jars thoroughly before disposing of them (or donating them to a beekeeper). The same applies to honey in plastic bottles or jars. The better alternative, of course, is to use local honey. Perhaps even in a refill jar from a local beekeeper? This saves long transportation routes and CO₂.

Sources: tipps.computerbild, quarks