Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are common household pests that have remained largely unchanged for over 400 million years. They get their name from their silvery scales and fish-like appearance, and they can be found in nearly every corner of the world.
Although silverfish are not harmful to humans or animals, they can cause damage to books, clothing, and other items made of fabric or paper. These creepy crawlies are attracted to materials that contain starch, which the insects use for food. When silverfish infest a home, they are typically found in hidden areas that are dark, damp areas such as laundry, closets, or beneath sinks.
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silvery-grey colour. They are usually between 6 and 12 mm long, have long, slender bodies with six legs, and are covered in tiny scales.
Silverfish have three long tails that they use to help them move quickly and smoothly across surfaces. They have two large compound eyes, as well as a number of small, Simple eyes (called ocelli) that help them to detect light and movement.
They have two long antennas on their head, and their three body parts are fused together. Underneath their body, silverfish have two long feelers that they use to detect movement and vibrations.
Silverfish also have sensors on their body that enable them to detect changes in air temperature and moisture levels. These sensors help them to find food and avoid predators.
Silverfish typically live for 2-8 years, during which time they will go through 3 stages of life: egg, nymph, and adult.
Silverfish Eggs
Silverfish reproduce by laying eggs. A female silverfish can lay anywhere from 2 to 20 eggs at a time, and she will do so several times throughout her lifetime. The eggs are white and oval-shaped, and they are typically deposited in small clusters.
Nymph
After hatching, the silverfish nymphs undergo a series of moults as they grow. Nymphs shed their exoskeletons as they reach new stages in their development. A Nymph resembles adults, but is smaller and lacks fully developed wings. Once they reach maturity, silverfish develop wings and begin to mate.
Adult
Adults typically live alone but may congregate in small groups when conditions are favourable. When populations become too dense, silverfish may disperse to find new areas to live in.
Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits. They feed on a variety of items including paper, clothing, carpets, book bindings, and even wallpaper glue. As they eat, they leave behind yellowish stains and small holes in fabrics. This can be costly to a family home but a higher cost to a clothing store if an infestation developed in their warehouse for instance.
In addition, silverfish are also capable of damaging books and photographs by eating the binding and paper. If silverfish infestation is left untreated, it can cause extensive damage to your home.
Signs you have a Silverfish problem
Silverfish are nocturnal creatures, and they prefer dark, humid environments. They are commonly found in subfloors, kitchens, bathrooms and storage units.Silverfish reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, which means that the female silverfish can produce eggs without fertilization by a male. This is why silverfish infestations can occur quite rapidly.
Silverfish are known for their distinctive movements, as they appear to "run" across walls and ceilings. Silverfish are very fast runners and excellent climbers, and they are known for their ability to squeeze into small spaces.
Despite their name, silverfish are not actually fish - they cannot swim or live in water.
There are a few different ways that silverfish can enter our homes. They can come in through cracks and openings in the foundation or exterior walls. They can also find their way inside through gaps around doors and windows. Once they are inside, silverfish will typically hide in dark, damp places like basements, crawl spaces, and closets.
If you see any call E1 Pest Solutions now to kill silverfish.
Breeding grounds for silverfish include dark places, and moist areas such as basements, crawlspaces, and laundry rooms. Silverfish live also in bathrooms and kitchens, as these areas tend to be humid. Silverfish may also lay their eggs in small cracks and crevices in walls or furniture.
If you suspect that silverfish are present in your home, it is important to take steps to control them. Often found near sources of food like books, paper or cereal boxes.
Contact a pest control professional for assistance.
At E1 Pest Solutions, we understand that dealing with a silverfish infestation can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. That's why we offer an integrated pest management plan that is designed to control silverfish and eliminate them. Our experienced and professional team will work with you by completing a thorough inspection to identify the source of the infestation and implement a customized treatment plan. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that your silverfish problem will be taken care of. Contact us today for a free quote.
We'll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the best solution for your team today. Thank you for choosing E1 Pest Control Services!