Silverfish

Silverfish prefer a dark, moist environment and require a large supply of starchy foods or molds. Silverfish are considered to be nuisance pests that can feed on wallpaper pastes, natural textiles, books, and papers. Silverfish also feed on mold or fungi that can grow on various surfaces.

They are fast-moving and can travel throughout buildings. Once silverfish find a good source of food, however, they stay close to it. Silverfish go through only a three stage life cycle called gradual metamorphosis, while many insects have a four stage life cycle (complete metamorphosis). Silverfish may lay eggs at any time during the year, and take 19-43 days to hatch. The life cycle from silverfish egg to adult is three to four months.

They prefer humid areas (75 to 97% humidity), like bathrooms and moderate temperatures (70o to 80o F).

Silverfish are found in basements, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, in bookcases, on closet shelves, behind baseboards, wallpaper, window or door frames, wall voids, and sub-floor areas. Silverfish are active at night or are active in dark places found throughout the structure. Silverfish can be a problem year round.

Attics are a favorite place for silverfish due to the abundant food sources due to the recycled blown in paper insulation and storage boxes. You may see silverfish trapped in sinks and bathtubs because they enter seeking moisture and are unable to climb a slick vertical surface to escape.

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