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What the HECK are Silverfish? : Silverfish Identification

-(Thysanura)

Silverfish are ancient insects that exist across the globe. Sometimes you might find them in your house damaging belongings or spoiling food, but don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to keep these irritating insects out of your belongings and your home.

For more details about Silverfish:

• Identification
• Habitat and Diet
• Varieties

Identification

Silverfish have flattened, slender bodies and range in size from 1/3-3/4 of an inch long (not including antennae/appendages). Their bodies are broad near the head and taper in towards the rear forming what some call a “carrot” shape.

Fragile and wingless, silverfish develop scales after 3-4 molts but remain relatively soft-bodied.

Although they cannot jump, silverfish are quick runners and display distinctly fish-like motions when on the move.

Eyes are tiny or absent, and two heavily-segmented antennae branch from the head. Stemming from the back of the abdomen are more antennae-like appendages (styli), typically one long appendage points straight back from the center of the abdomen’s tip, and the others (two or more depending on the species) curve outward from the abdomen or branching out at right angles. These combined with the antennae are nearly as long as the body itself.

Eggs are whitish, oval, and about 1/32 in. long. Commonly referred to as “Bristletails (internal link)” or “Fishmoths,” these creatures can go weeks without food or water and are among the oldest living species on the planet, dating back 300 million years or at least to the Paleozoic Era.

Habitat and Diet

Silverfish prefer a habitat with mild room temperature and relatively high humidity, often residing in damp basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and also in walls and crevices.

They like to eat glue from books and wallpaper, starchy foods, cereals, starch from clothing (rayon and cotton), or even each-other.

Silverfish also leave their exoskeletons around after molting; so, if you see any lying around you can be virtually assured there are more lurking in the walls.

Varieties

Although there are thirteen known species of Thysanura in the United States but only the three Silverfish and the Firebrat mentioned below are commonly considered pests.
1)Common Silverfish
2)Giant Gray Silverfish
3)Four Lined Silverfish
4)Firebrat

The Silverfish is often mistaken as different species of household pests called Firebrats and Jumping Bristletails (and vice versa). See below for Firebrat/Jumping Bristetail/Silverfish pest identification.

Need to get rid of these pests safely in your home – even in the kitchen? Use EcoSMART Home Pest Control.