Silverfish are approximately 1/2 inch long, with a uniform silvery color over the upper surface. They have long and slender, flattened bodies, broad at the front, and gradually tapering toward the rear.
Common areas to find silverfish are in damp, moderate temperature places such as basements, laundry rooms, and under sinks.
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Silverfish prefer a dark, moist environment and require a large supply of starchy foods or molds.
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Silverfish are highly considered to be nuisance pests. They feed on wallpaper pastes, natural textiles, books, and papers. They also feed on mold or fungi that can grow on different surfaces.
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They are fast-moving and can travel throughout buildings.When silverfish find a good source of food, they stay close to it.
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Silverfish go through only a three stage life cycle called gradual metamorphosis.
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Silverfish will lay eggs at any time during the year. They take 19-43 days to hatch.
The life cycle is three to four months.
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They prefer humid areas such as bathrooms and moderate temperatures.
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Silverfish are commonly found in basements, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, in bookcases, on closet shelves, behind baseboards, wallpaper, window or door frames and wall voids.
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Silverfish are active at night and found in dark places found throughout the structure.
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Silverfish can be a nuisence problem year round.
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Attics are a favourite place for silverfish to be found due to the abundant food sources of recycled paper insulation and storage boxes.
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Silverfish are found trapped in sinks and bathtubs as they are seeking moisture and are unable to climb a slick vertical surface to escape.
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They can be dedected by their molting adult cast skins.
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Silverfish diets are high in protein, sugar, or starch, including cereals, moist wheat flour, starch in book bindings, and paper on which there is glue or paste.
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Damage to book bindings, wallpaper, paper goods and dry foods are common. Silverfish eat holes in wallpaper to get to the paste. Silverfish may bite very small holes in various fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk.
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They may leave a yellowish stain behind on the fabric.
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Outside, they may be found in nest of insects, birds, mammals, and under tree bark and mulch.
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Problem areas causing moisture, such as faulty plumbing or condensation provide the humidity favored by these pests. Moisure problems should be eliminated.
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Dehumidifying reduces the moisture content of the air that these insects find essential.
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Regularly vacuuming cracks and crevices can be a good method to physically remove these insects from their hiding places.
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Ensure food sources are stored in air tight containers.
