Environment
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What are Silverfish?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Silverfish are the fishmoth species Lepisma saccharina. These eight-legged insects have scales on their bodies that allow them to move in a quick, curving manner that resembles that of a fish. They have a silver or gray coloring, but some also have a brownish cast. Most are between 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) to 1 inch (25.4mm) in length and they have very long antennae as well as three thread-like protuberances from their lower bodies. Silverfish live outdoors in damp, rocky or moldy areas, but easily thrive indoors in humid rooms such as bathrooms and are considered urban pests.

These insects were native to tropical climates before spreading to damp, cooler regions. Females lay up to 50 eggs at once, but only lay about 100 eggs during their lifespan. The lifespan of a silverfish is generally between two and eight years. They have soft bodies and are wingless. Silverfish can climb rougher surfaces, but not usually slippery surfaces and, as a result, they are sometimes found trapped in sinks and bathtubs.

A damp, rolled up newspaper can serve as a silverfish trap.
A damp, rolled up newspaper can serve as a silverfish trap.

In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards around floors, or near plumbing and pipes in small cracks. Besides bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens or closets, silverfish can be found in crawlspaces and attics. Their eggs are often found in boxes of old clothing and books as silverfish eat the starch in fabrics and book paste. They are nocturnal insects and often prefer dark areas.

In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards.
In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards.

Vacuuming often, especially around baseboards, can help control the spread of silverfish in a home as it can eliminate the tiny eggs. Cracks and crevices around baseboards should be washed and dusted often to help reduce the population. Killing their eggs and removing their food sources are the best ways of controlling them.

Traps can also be put in areas where silverfish have been seen. A person create a trap by covering a small, open jar with masking or other fairly rough-textured tape. The insects will be able to climb into the jar, but not out again due to the slippery surface of the inner glass. A damp newspaper rolled up into a hollow shape may also serve as a silverfish trap.

Diatomaceous earth, a powder made up of crushed algae-like organisms called diatoms, is found in many pesticides, but is not harmful to the environment and is non-toxic to humans and pets. Homeowners can buy diatomaceous earth inexpensively in bags at garden centers and sprinkle it around baseboards where they have seen silverfish. People should wear a protective mask when working with the powder, as any dust-like substance can irritate the eyes and nose when it is not yet settled.

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Discussion Comments

anon265065

I hate these bugs. They are always in the library.

anon219127

A couple of times I have seen this type of insect like creature which I think is either made of dust or has some type of interdimensional quality and is able to disappear since it could not possibly move at that many inches per nanosecond.

anon27822

it is fantastic, but i want to know where they go in winter months when the temp. remains unsuitable for them. they live for 3 years on an average.

shafiq wani

kashmir university india

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    • A damp, rolled up newspaper can serve as a silverfish trap.
      By: by-studio
      A damp, rolled up newspaper can serve as a silverfish trap.
    • In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards.
      By: Eugenio Marongiu
      In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards.