Insects Silverfish

Silverfish Insects

What are silverfish? Silverfish are carrot shaped, silver, and have what look like antennae on both ends of their body. The appendages are almost as long as the body. This pest is common indoors on the East Coast, and is also found indoors in the Midwest and Pacific Coast. They are commonly fond living under boxes, boards and house furniture. They are considered the most destructive insect because they eat the starch used to size coated papers, the paste used to attach the book, and the ink off the page.

The immature insects look like the adults but are smaller in size. Silverfish normally are found outdoors under rocks, bark and leaf mold, in the nests of birds and mammals, and in ant and termite nests. However, many are found in houses and are considered a pest, or at least a nuisance, by homeowners. Normally they are found trapped in a bathtub, sink, or washbasin.

Absent letters and holes in paper are proof of silverfish. Silverfish pest control is similar to the steps required if cockroaches are rampant.

SIZE: 1/2 to 1 inch (12.7-25.4mm)

COLOR: Brown or silver-gray

Occasionally, they are found in bathtubs. They crawl in seeking food or moisture and can't climb out.

An eyeless species of silverfish, or close relative, was discovered in January 2006 in caves in Sequoia National Park, California.

Silverfish prefer a dark, moist environment and require a large supply of starchy foods or molds.