Silverfish

Silverfish Identification

Known for their wiggling movement, silverfish are extremely fast insects. Typically dark gray, these insects can also be identified by their large antennae and trio of whip-like tails.

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Pest Description

Silverfish Habits

Found in basements, bathrooms, and attics, silverfish typically prefer dark and humid areas. They also like hot areas, like furnace rooms. Silverfish are nocturnal, and will avoid light, finding small spaces like wall cracks and outlets to hide in.

Silverfish have a wide range of food that they’ll eat, including sugary substances and carbohydrates. They will also eat drywall, cellulose, photos, plaster, glue, dandruff, hair, clothing, coffee, fabrics, and dead insects. They are well known for eating books.

Silverfish can live a year or more without eating. Silverfish reproduce very quickly, producing 30 – 60 eggs at a time.

Silverfish Identification

Ranging from ½” to 1 ¼”, silverfish can be alarming because of their size. They are silver, blue, or light gray. They do not have wings, and have distinct antennae and tails. Silverfish bodies are wider at the front, and taper to the tail.

Preventing and Eliminating Silverfish

Silverfish can become a serious pest problem in a short amount of time. Because they can consume a wide variety of food and lay eggs regularly, infestations can grow quickly. If even one silverfish is discovered, it’s likely that there are more or eggs that are ready to hatch. It can be difficult to find all existing silverfish, because of their nocturnal nature and preference for hiding in small spaces.

Proper sanitation of the building environment can reduce the chance of a silverfish infestation. Reducing clutter, sweeping or vacuuming regularly, and storing food appropriately are all part of basic pest prevention. Silverfish will infest any indoor or outdoor area that has been abandoned or remains neglected, particularly in locations where food is available.

The best way to eliminate and prevent future problems with silverfish is with professional help. At Antworks, our experts resolve silverfish infestations using a variety of different treatment techniques, including surveillance, eradication, and baiting applications.