Silverfish are wingless bugs. They are soft bodied and are covered in fine metallic scales. The scales cause their color to range from silver to light brown. They are oval in shape and adults can range from about half an inch to an inch in length. Silverfish bugs have two long antennae and three long tail bristles. There are not any significant visible changes that happen as they grow from egg to adult.
Habitat
Silverfish can live in most environments, although they prefer areas with high humidity. Silverfish are also nocturnal so they can commonly be found at night or in dark areas. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day and venture out at night to find food sources. Basements, kitchens, bathrooms and any other areas that are dark and damp provide the perfect living environment for a few silverfish or a silverfish infestation.
Food Sources
Silverfish are attracted to foods that contain sugars and starches. They feed on things such as shampoo, glue, paper, linen, dead insects and have been found in unopened food boxes. They are also attracted to damp items such as clothes. Due to their attraction to glue, cardboard and darkness they can often be found in boxes that are being kept in storage areas of the home or garage. They can do significant damage or stain items if there is a large enough infestation of the bugs.
Life Cycle
Silverfish perform a mating dance prior to fertilization of the eggs. The mating dance has three parts, of which the final part is the male shaking his tail to release the eggs and the female taking the eggs into herself with her ovipositors. They reproduce year-round and can produce approximately 100 eggs in their lifetime.
The climate plays a role in the development of silverfish eggs. The conditions may allow for the egg to hatch as early as 19 days or as long as 43 days later. The life cycle from egg to adult lasts only about three to four months.
Prevention
Controlling humidity in the home is one of the best ways to prevent attracting silverfish bugs. Caulk baseboards in basements and vent attics or other damp areas. Cleaning and removing any potential silverfish food sources can also help prevent the bugs.
Insecticides and traps will only kill individual bugs and may not be enough to combat an infestation. If there is a large infestation professional help may be needed to get the silverfish population under control.
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