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Silverfish

Silverfish is a common name for species of this group because their bodies are covered with silvery scales. Silverfish are found throughout the United States and world.

Silverfish Recognition

Adult Silverfish can be between 1/2” to 3/4”, are teardrop shaped tapering from head to tail, greyish to silver in color covered in scales and wingless.

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Silverfish Damage

Feeding marks from Silverfish are irregular, whether they are holes, notches along an edge, or surface etchings.

Silverfish Biology

The Silverfish female lays about 1-3 eggs per day, placing them in cracks, under objects, or simply left exposed. Developmental time (egg to adult) is about 3 to 4 months but may require up to 2 years and adult Silverfish can live up to 3 years. Silverfish hide during the day and prefer to hide or rest in tight cracks or crevices. They can be found almost anywhere in a house including attics, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, stores and libraries. Silverfish tend to roam long distances while searching for food, but once they find a satisfactory food source they will remain close to it. Silverfish are pests of paper, including glossy paper magazines, books and even wallpaper. They can also eat proteins such as dried meats or other dead Silverfish.

Silverfish are often introduced into a structure via cardboard cartons or boxes of books or paper, but they also can be found outdoors which can make control difficult.

Silverfish Control

The key to control of Silverfish is thorough treatment of all infested areas, which often means treatment of the entire structure. Treatment should be done by a trained and licensed pest control operator applying an appropriate pesticide along all baseboards, corners, cracks and crevices inside, as well as in attic spaces.

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