We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Aquatic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Silverfish?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 34,278
Share

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.

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.

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.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon265065 — On Apr 30, 2012

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

By anon219127 — On Oct 02, 2011

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.

By anon27822 — On Mar 06, 2009

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

Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-are-silverfish.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.