Silverfish

Overview

Silverfish get their name from the bug’s silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish are also known as “bristletails” because of their three long, bristle-like or tail-like appendages on the rear end of their body. Silverfish are found throughout the U.S. and are typically seen in moist, humid areas in the home, such as bathrooms, basements and attics. They tend to hide their presence from humans, which means any damage they have caused could go unnoticed as well. Read on to find out more about silverfish control and how to get rid of silverfish.

What Silverfish Look Like

If you’ve noticed a silvery, metallic bug in your home, it’s likely you’ll need to contact a pest control professional to get rid of silverfish. Adult silverfish have a body length of about ½-3/4” (12-19 mm) not including the tail. They have a flattened body and their shape is often compared to a teardrop, carrot or fish, tapering from head to rear and generally covered with scales.

Silverfish are named after their fish-like shape, silver color and movements. They also have threadlike antennas and small compound eyes that are widely separated. Immature silverfish look similar to adults, except for size and their scales appear with the third or fourth molt.

Looking to prevent or get rid of a silverfish infestation? The key to silverfish control is thoroughly inspecting preferred habitat areas and where appropriate food materials are present. If the infestation is localized on the inside, one can assume that it is recent and was either brought in via infested items or represents a recent invasion from the outside.

If the infestation is widespread, then attention should be directed to the outside. Anything stored against or near the house’s exterior must be moved or removed since silverfish can easily climb up walls and find entrance around window and door frames, utility pipes and vents. Shake roofs should also be cleaned and sealed every other year.

Behavior & Habitat

Silverfish move fast and are good climbers. They can survive for weeks without food or water but require a high humidity environment of 70 to 90 percent. They are nocturnal and prefer to hide or rest in tight cracks or crevices during the day.

Silverfish usually feed on paper items, glue, clothing and food items, such as flour and rolled oats. They prefer proteins to carbohydrates and are cannibalistic — their favorite protein meals include dried beef and dead or injured of their kind.

The silverfish female lays about one to three eggs per day, placing them in cracks, under objects or left exposed. Developmental time is three to four months under favorable conditions of 72-90 degrees F and at least 50-75 percent relative humidity. Otherwise, it may require up to two to three years. The majority of silverfish live up to three years.

Signs of an Infestation

Looking to prevent or get rid of a silverfish infestation? The key to silverfish control is thoroughly inspecting preferred habitat areas and where appropriate food materials are present. If the infestation is localized on the inside, one can assume that it is recent and was either brought in via infested items or represents a recent invasion from the outside.

If the infestation is widespread, then attention should be directed to the outside. Anything stored against or near the house’s exterior must be moved or removed since silverfish can easily climb up walls and find entrance around window and door frames, utility pipes and vents. Shake roofs should also be cleaned and sealed every other year.

Additionally, don't keep old books and magazines in areas where silverfish are usually found like basements, attics and garages. And it's important to keep food items such as flour and sugar in tight containers.

If a silverfish bug infestation is suspected or found, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional to properly inspect the home and recommend the appropriate treatment method.

Prevention & Control

If you notice a silverfish problem, contact a licensed pest control professional . They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate control measures can be taken.

You can find a certified pest professional near you with the helpful zip code search below.

Silverfish are most commonly found in bathrooms, attics, and basements. Read our tips on how to get rid of silverfish in your house. The NPMA addresses common questions about occasional invaders, a group of pests that invade homes from time to time. You won't believe these fascinating facts about crickets, ladybugs, centipedes, earwigs, silverfish, millipedes and box elder bugs. Identify Pests Pest Control Tips About Commercial Services Find A Pest Pro Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Map Brought to you by

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Common questions about Silverfish

What do Silverfish look like?

If you’ve noticed a silvery, metallic bug in your home, it’s likely you’ll need to contact a pest control professional to get rid of silverfish. Adult silverfish have a body length of about ½-3/4” (12-19 mm) not including the tail. They have a flattened body and their shape is of

What are signs of Silverfish?

Looking to prevent or get rid of a silverfish infestation? The key to silverfish control is thoroughly inspecting preferred habitat areas and where appropriate food materials are present. If the infestation is localized on the inside, one can assume that it is recent and was eith

How do I get rid of Silverfish?

If you notice a silverfish problem, contact a licensed pest control professional . They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate control measures can be taken.

Related Occasional Invaders

• Assassin Bugs
• Boxelder Bugs
• Camel Crickets
• Centipedes
• Earwigs
• House Crickets
• Ladybugs
• Mayflies

Vendors for Occasional Invaders

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