Silverfish

 

 

 

 

Silverfish, which are considered insects, primarily live under trees, leaf mold, and rocks. They prefer moist, dark environments with levels of humidity between 75-95%. However, silverfish, which also live in residential buildings (attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements), are nocturnal creatures, who move quickly and swiftly when they feel a threat. Insects, in general, dwell in the crevices and cracks of floors and walls. However, silverfish are not able to climb smooth surfaces, despite being able to move in a very speedy way.

 

Breed Overview:

Color:

Silver, brown, and grey.

Size:

From 12-15 mm long

 

 

Description:

 

The silverfish’s bodies are covered with fish-like, shiny scales, tapered at the rear, and flattened. Furthermore, they look like a teardrop in shape.

 

 

Diet

Silverfish will practically eat anything available as they’re in general scavenger feeders. Scientifically, insects live by feeding on proteins and carbohydrates. However, these insects, who live in residential buildings, eat the items they find inside the kitchen pantries. But when they are outdoors, their main meals are vegetables. Anyway, these insects can live without eating for a year!

 

 

Reproduction

In the beginning, the elaborate mating ritual performed between females and males is the first step of the reproductive process of silverfish. The final step of the ritual is when the female silverfish absorbs a sperm capsule, that is deposited by the male. In the end, the eggs are laid, within tiny crevices and cracks, in small groups by female silverfish, who lay up to a hundred eggs during her lifespan which ranges between 2-8 years. In normal conditions, the eggs hatch in 3-6 weeks. Newly hatched silverfish need about 40 days to get the shiny appearance of adults, but they look like miniature adults once they hatch the eggs.

 

 

 

Why am I having silverfish?

They prefer moist, dark environments with levels of humidity between 75-95%. They primarily live under trees, leaf mold, and rocks when they are outdoors. However, when they are in residential buildings, they like to live in crevices and cracks in attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

 

 

These insects will practically eat anything available as they’re in general scavenger feeders. Scientifically, insects live by feeding on proteins and carbohydrates. However, these insects, who live in residential buildings, eat the items they find inside the kitchen’s pantries, starches, rolled oats, cereal, wallpaper, glue, dried meat, and flour. But when they are outdoors, their main meals are vegetables.

 

 

 

Should I be worried about silverfish?

These pests can contaminate destroy books, stain clothes, and contaminate food. Having them inside your home is a very bad thing. As we mentioned above, they can live up to 8 years and can survive up to one year without eating, which means that having a silverfish infestation is a problem that needs the assistance of a professional pest control service as it could be a long-term problem.

 

 

Tips to prevent silverfish from invading?

 

1. Remove old clothes, books, boxes, and papers.
2. Lower the humidity by using dehumidifiers.
3. Vacuum crevices and cracks frequently.
4. Keep rooms dry, clean, and cool.

 

 

By following these tips, you will reduce any silverfish invading if not stop it completely.

 

 

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