Silverfish Life Cycle

Silverfish develop gradually under normal household conditions and produce few offspring. They are able to live lacking food for numerous months. The females lay eggs at any season in isolated spaces such as behind books or on closet shelves. The eggs are very small and deposited in cracks and crevices.

Silverfish lay eggs singly or only a few at a time but may deposit numerous batches over a period of weeks. Eggs are whitish, oval and about 1/32 inch long. Eggs hatch in 2 weeks or longer and the rate of progress of the young depends on the temperature and dampness in the building. Under ideal conditions, the eggs hatch in two weeks, but may take up to two months to hatch.

Silverfish may reach adulthood in 3 to 24 months. Adults may live up to 3 1/2 years, but most live 2 years under favorable conditions (72-80 F, relative humidity of 75%- 97%).

These wingless insects slightly resemble firebrats and are often called bristletails.

Populations do not build up rapidly because of their slow development rate and the small number of eggs laid.