Silverfish get their name from the silvery, metallic look and fish-like shape and movements of the insect. Due to their three long, bristle-like or tail-like appendages on the rear end of their body, silverfish are also known as “bristletails”. They tend to conceal their presence from humans, which means that any harm they have caused might also go unnoticed. To find out more about controlling silverfish and how to get rid of silverfish, read on.
How Silverfish Looks
There are flattened, long, slender, bown-silver bodies of silverfish insects that are large at the front and steadily tapering towards the rear. They prefer high humidity and are often found in hot and humidity-related areas, often in bathtubs. In your pantry, silverfish will eat grains or chew large holes as a nuisance pest in upholstery, clothes, or stored paper.
Facts About Silverfish
- Silverfish swim easily and can fly through buildings. They stick close to it once they discover a good source of food.
- Silverfish are nocturnal, but all the structures they occupy are still active in dark areas. Year-round, they can be a concern.
- If there are leftover food particles (spilled coke and other starchy carbohydrates) or areas of soiled substances, silverfish may strike cloth (sweat). For a material like clothes moths, they won’t eat the fabric but will destroy the fiber trying to get to the substances on the fabric.
- Since they enter in search of moisture and are unable to ascend a slippery vertical surface to escape, you can see silverfish stuck in sinks and baths.
- Silverfish go through a three-stage life cycle called gradual metamorphosis, whereas most insects have a four-stage life cycle (complete metamorphosis). Silverfish can lay eggs at any time during the year. The eggs take 19-43 days to hatch. The life cycle from silverfish egg to adult is three to four months.
Silverfish Infestations
Silverfish can be found almost anywhere, but they prefer humid, moderate-temperature conditions such as cellars, laundry rooms, and under sinks. Since silverfish migrate long distances in search of food, knowing the exact source of silverfish infestations can be difficult.
- Silverfish prefer dark and damp conditions that are (75 – 97 percent humidity). Basements, kitchens, toilets, bathtubs, bookcases, wardrobe racks, behind baseboards, wall voids, and sub-floors are some of their favourite settings.
- A typical sign of silverfish is the finding of small irregular shaped holes in fabrics. Another sign is unregularly made holes in wallpaper because they want to eat the adhesive.
- Silverfish can leave a stain on the fabric that is yellowish. Firebrats feed extensively on rayon, while it is normally only slightly damaged by silverfish.
- Throughout their lives, silverfish molt. It is a strong indication that silverfish are present to locate their cast skin.
- Silverfish are found inside almost anywhere that is dark and damp.
- Outside, the nests can contain silverfish. Other insects, birds, and mammals can own these nests. They live under tree bark and mulch as well. Sometimes they are discovered on houses in wood shingles or sidings.
Prevent Silverfish Infestation
In places such as defective pipes and areas of condensation, remove sources of excessive moisture to stop silverfish within infestations. Silverfish enjoy moisture. The use of a dehumidifier decreases the moisture content in the air, which is important for the survival of silverfish. In low relative humidity, silverfish do not live inside buildings. Infestations of silverfish can be difficult to manage if the relative humidity in an air-tight house is above 50 percent year round.