Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina

Appearance:
Silverfish are small, wingless insects. They are shiny gray or silver in color. The metallic sheen is due to silvery scales, which only appear after the third molt. They have three long, thin appendages extending from the abdomen.

Size:
Ranges from 1/2 to 1-inch in length.

Behavior:
Silverfish require between four months and three years to grow from an egg to an adult. Silverfish may live up to eight years, and molt up to eight times. Under favorable conditions, silverfish may molt up to four times per year. If conditions are too cold or dry, silverfish cannot reproduce.

Habitat:
Silverfish are common in human dwellings, much like its relative the firebrat. Silverfish can often be found under refrigerators or around a well-heated toilet, if the crevices in the floor tiles are large enough.

Interesting Fact:
Silverfish will feed on glue, book bindings, photos, sugar, hair, dandruff, and dirt. They can also cause damage to books, tapestries, and textiles.

Control:
Do you live in Florida and think that this pest may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!