Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)

What Are Silverfish?

The scientific name for silverfish is Lepisma saccharina.

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are named after their silvery-grey color and the way they move, which is similar to the movement of a fish. They belong to the order Zygentoma and the family Lepismatidae.

Silverfish are typically around 1/2 to 1 inch in length, with a flat, elongated body and three long bristles protruding from their hind end. They have two long antennae on their head and three appendages on the rear of their abdomen. They are known for their ability to move quickly and are commonly found in damp, dark environments such as bathrooms, basements, and attics.

Silverfish are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of substances including carbohydrates, starches, and sugars, as well as mold and fungi. They can be considered pests when they infest homes and buildings, as they can damage books, wallpaper, and other paper-based products. However, they do not pose a threat to human health.

Silverfish Identification

Silverfish are small, silver-gray insects that are typically around 1/2 to 1 inch in length. They have a flat, elongated body with three long bristles protruding from their hind end. They have two long antennae on their head and three appendages on the rear of their abdomen.

Their bodies are covered in scales, which give them a silvery appearance and protect them from moisture loss. They have six legs, which are also covered in scales, allowing them to move quickly and easily over various surfaces.

Silverfish are often mistaken for other pests, such as firebrats and earwigs, but can be identified by their unique appearance and movement. They are commonly found in damp, dark environments such as bathrooms, basements, and attics, where they feed on a variety of substances including carbohydrates, starches, and sugars, as well as mold and fungi.

Region

Silverfish are found throughout the world, and as such, there is no single country or region where they are most commonly seen. However, they are often found in areas with humid and damp conditions, which can include countries or regions with tropical or temperate climates. In homes and buildings, they are most commonly seen in areas with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Some of the countries where silverfish are commonly found include the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Sign of a Silverfish Infestation

There are several signs that may indicate a silverfish infestation in your home or building:

Sightings: The most obvious sign of a silverfish infestation is seeing the insects themselves. Silverfish are most active at night, so they may be difficult to spot during the day. However, you may have an infestation if you see them scurrying across floors or countertops.
Shed skins: Silverfish shed their skins as they grow, so finding small, silver-gray skins in areas where silverfish are commonly found (such as bathrooms or basements) may indicate an infestation.
Damage to paper-based products: Silverfish are known to feed on paper-based products, such as books, magazines, and wallpaper. If you notice holes or damage to these items, it may be a sign of a silverfish infestation.
Stains: Silverfish excrement can leave stains on fabrics and paper products, which may appear yellowish or brownish.
Musty odor: A musty odor in areas where silverfish are commonly found may indicate an infestation.

Silverfish Prevention

Here are some tips for preventing a silverfish infestation:

Reduce humidity: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so reducing humidity levels in your home can help prevent infestations. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to reduce moisture levels, especially in areas like bathrooms and basements.
Store paper-based products properly: Store books, magazines, and other paper-based products in sealed containers or plastic bags to make them less accessible to silverfish.
Seal entry points: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent silverfish from entering your home.
Remove food sources: Keep food stored in sealed containers and immediately clean up crumbs and spills.
Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming can help remove silverfish and their eggs from carpets and other surfaces.
Use insecticides: Insecticides can be used to kill silverfish, but be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

Silverfish Prevention and Control

Silverfish prevention and control involves a combination of measures aimed at eliminating their access to food, moisture, and hiding places, as well as using insecticides to kill them. Here are some steps for preventing and controlling silverfish:

Reduce moisture: Silverfish thrive in damp environments, so reduce moisture by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is common.
Seal entry points: Seal gaps and cracks in walls, foundations, and doors to prevent silverfish from entering your home or building.
Store food properly: Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills and crumbs, and dispose of garbage regularly to eliminate potential food sources for silverfish.
Declutter and clean regularly: Remove clutter and clean regularly, paying special attention to dark, damp areas like basements and attics where silverfish are commonly found.
Use insecticides: Apply insecticides to areas where silverfish are commonly found, such as baseboards, cracks, and crevices. Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Professional treatment: If silverfish infestations are severe, consider hiring a professional pest control service to provide comprehensive treatment and help prevent future infestations.

Are silverfish harmful?

Silverfish are not harmful to humans and do not bite or spread diseases. They are considered a nuisance pest because they can cause damage to paper-based products and fabrics. Silverfish are known to feed on books, magazines, wallpaper, and other paper products, as well as synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. In addition to causing damage, they can also contaminate food products and leave stains on surfaces with their excrement.

While silverfish are not dangerous to humans, they can be a sign of other problems in your home or building, such as excess moisture or a pest infestation. If you suspect a silverfish infestation, it is best to take steps to control and prevent it to avoid potential damage and other issues.

Reproduction and life cycle

Silverfish undergo gradual metamorphosis, which means they hatch from eggs as nymphs and go through several molts before reaching maturity. The life cycle of a silverfish typically lasts between two and eight years, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Silverfish reproduction involves males depositing their spermatophores (sperm packets) on surfaces, which females then pick up and use to fertilize their eggs. The fertilized eggs are then deposited in cracks and crevices, where they hatch into nymphs. The nymphs go through several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. Silverfish reach maturity after around three months and continue to molt throughout their lives.

Adult silverfish can lay up to 20 eggs at a time, and the eggs typically take between two and eight weeks to hatch, depending on environmental conditions. Silverfish can reproduce year-round and produce several generations per year under favorable conditions.

Overall, silverfish have a relatively long life cycle compared to many other insect pests, and their ability to reproduce rapidly makes them a challenging pest to control.

Similar species

Some insects that are commonly mistaken for silverfish include:

Firebrats: Firebrats are similar in appearance to silverfish but have a mottled gray and brown coloration and prefer warmer environments. Thermobia domestica, also known as the firebrat, is a species of small, silver-colored insect that is closely related to the silverfish. Like silverfish, firebrats are wingless and have a flattened, elongated body. They are typically found in warm, humid environments such as attics, basements, and around furnaces or hot water pipes. Firebrats feed on a variety of materials including starches, glue, and book bindings. They can be a nuisance when they infest homes, but they are not known to be harmful to humans.
House centipedes: House centipedes have long, thin bodies with many legs, but they also have two long antennae at the front of their heads, which silverfish do not have.
Earwigs: Earwigs are also similar in shape to silverfish but have large pincers at the ends of their bodies, which silverfish do not have.
Carpet beetles: Carpet beetles are small, round insects that are often found in carpets and other fabrics. They are not as elongated as silverfish and have a different body shape.

Natural predators of Silverfish

There are several natural predators of silverfish, including:

Spiders: Some species of spiders, such as house spiders and cellar spiders, feed on silverfish.
Centipedes: Centipedes are known to feed on silverfish and other small insects.
Earwigs: While earwigs are often mistaken for silverfish, they are actually predators of silverfish and can help to control their populations.
Birds: Some species of birds, such as house sparrows and swallows, are known to feed on silverfish.

Behaviour, Diet & Habits

Silverfish are nocturnal insects that prefer dark, humid environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and attics. They are able to survive in a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are known for their ability to move quickly and dart away when disturbed.

Silverfish are primarily scavengers and feed on a variety of organic materials, including paper, wallpaper paste, glue, fabrics, and other materials that contain starch or cellulose. They are also known to feed on dead insects and other small organisms.

Silverfish are able to survive for long periods of time without food or water, which allows them to thrive in buildings and homes where they have access to shelter and a source of food. They are able to live in wall voids, behind baseboards, and in other small cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect and control.

Silverfish are also known for their ability to cause damage to books, papers, and fabrics, as they often chew small holes and leave yellow stains from their excrement. They are considered a nuisance pest and can be difficult to eliminate once they have become established in a building or home.

Nocturnal & Secretive

Yes, silverfish are nocturnal and secretive insects. They are active at night and prefer dark, humid environments, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect. They are able to move quickly and dart away when disturbed, which further contributes to their elusive behavior.

Because silverfish are able to survive for long periods of time without food or water, they can remain hidden and undetected for extended periods of time, making it difficult to eliminate them once they have become established in a building or home. It is important to take proactive steps to prevent silverfish infestations by eliminating their access to food, water, and hiding places, and to monitor for signs of infestation, such as yellow stains or small holes in books, papers, and fabrics.

What attracts silverfish to your house, and why do you have silverfish?

Silverfish are attracted to environments that provide them with warmth, moisture, and a source of food. Some common reasons why you may have silverfish in your home include:

Humidity: Silverfish prefer humid environments and are often found in bathrooms, basements, and other areas with high levels of moisture.
Food sources: Silverfish feed on a variety of organic materials, including paper, wallpaper paste, glue, fabrics, and other materials that contain starch or cellulose. If these materials are present in your home, silverfish may be attracted to them.
Cracks and crevices: Silverfish are able to enter homes through small cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls, and once inside, they can find numerous hiding places to breed and feed.
Clutter: Silverfish prefer dark, undisturbed environments, and cluttered areas provide them with many potential hiding places.

To prevent silverfish infestations, it is important to eliminate their access to moisture, food, and hiding places. This can be done by fixing leaks, reducing humidity levels, sealing cracks and crevices, removing clutter, and storing food items in airtight containers. If you already have a silverfish infestation, using insecticides or other control measures may be necessary to eliminate the pests and prevent them from returning.

Where do silverfish nest in a house?

Silverfish are able to nest in a variety of locations within a house, as long as the environment provides them with warmth, moisture, and a source of food. Some common nesting locations for silverfish include:

Bathrooms: Silverfish are often found in bathrooms because they prefer humid environments. They can hide in small cracks and crevices, behind toilets and sinks, and in shower stalls and bathtub enclosures.
Basements: Basements are also common nesting locations for silverfish because they are typically cooler and more humid than other areas of the house. Silverfish can hide in wall voids, behind baseboards, and in other small cracks and crevices.
Kitchens: Silverfish may nest in kitchens if there are food sources present, such as crumbs or open packages of food. They can hide in cabinets, pantry shelves, and other areas where food is stored.
Attics: Attics can provide silverfish with warm, dry environments and access to insulation and other organic materials.
Closets: Silverfish may nest in closets where there are stored fabrics or paper materials, such as books or documents.

What are the signs you have silverfish?

There are several signs that can indicate the presence of silverfish in your home, including:

Silverfish sightings: The most obvious sign of a silverfish infestation is seeing the pests themselves. Silverfish are typically active at night, so you may not see them during the day. However, if you see them scurrying across floors, walls, or other surfaces at night, this is a clear sign that you have silverfish in your home.
Yellow stains: Silverfish often leave yellow stains on surfaces they crawl over, such as walls, baseboards, and books.
Small holes in paper or fabric: Silverfish feed on paper and fabrics, and will leave small, irregular holes in these materials as they feed.
Scales and feces: Silverfish shed their scales as they grow, which can be found in areas where they nest. They also leave behind small, black droppings that resemble pepper or coffee grounds.
Musty odor: In some cases, a musty odor may be present in areas where silverfish are nesting, due to their droppings and other waste products.

Related: Do Bed Bugs Come From Outside?

If you suspect that you have a silverfish infestation, it is important to take action to eliminate the pests as soon as possible. This can be done through a combination of preventative measures, such as reducing humidity levels and eliminating food sources, and using insecticides or other control methods to eliminate the pests themselves.

How can you naturally get rid of silverfish?

There are several natural ways to get rid of silverfish, including:

Diatomaceous earth: This is a natural substance that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is an effective insecticide that can be sprinkled in areas where silverfish are present, such as in cracks and crevices or around baseboards. When silverfish come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it damages their exoskeletons and causes them to dehydrate and die.
Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as lavender, citrus, and cedarwood, are known to repel silverfish. You can make a natural insect repellent by mixing a few drops of these oils with water and spraying it in areas where silverfish are present.
Boric acid is a natural substance that can be sprinkled in areas where silverfish are present. Boric acid damages the exoskeleton of silverfish and causes them to die of dehydration. Be sure to use caution when using boric acid, as it can be toxic if ingested by pets or children.
Sticky traps: Sticky traps are a simple and effective way to capture silverfish. You can purchase sticky traps at most hardware stores or make your own by placing a strip of double-sided tape in areas where silverfish are present.
Reduce humidity levels: Silverfish prefer humid environments, so reducing the humidity levels in your home can help to prevent infestations. You can do this by using a dehumidifier, fixing leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and other areas with high moisture levels.

It is important to note that while these natural methods can be effective, they may not eliminate a large or persistent silverfish infestation. In these cases, it may be necessary to use insecticides or other control methods to eliminate the pests.

Do Silverfish Bite People?

No, silverfish do not bite people. They are not known to be harmful to humans in any way, and they do not carry any diseases. While they may be a nuisance due to their feeding habits and potential damage to books and other materials, they do not threaten human health.

Can Silverfish Crawl In Your Ear?

While a silverfish can crawl into a person's ear, it is highly unlikely. Silverfish are not attracted to human ears and do not typically seek out human hosts. They are more likely to be found in areas such as bathrooms, basements, and attics where there is moisture and a source of food. While silverfish are not harmful to humans, if you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your ear, it is best to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

Common Products for Silverfish Control

Boric acid: Boric acid is a naturally occurring substance that is toxic to silverfish when ingested. It can be applied as a powder in areas where silverfish are present, such as cracks and crevices or along baseboards.
Control dusts: Control dusts are a type of insecticide that can be applied in areas where silverfish are likely to travel. These dusts contain a slow-acting poison that is carried back to the silverfish nest, which can help eliminate the entire colony.
Liquid sprays: Liquid sprays can be applied to surfaces where silverfish are likely to travel, such as around baseboards or in cracks and crevices. These sprays typically contain a synthetic insecticide that is toxic to silverfish.
Baits: Baits are another type of insecticide that can be effective for controlling silverfish. These baits are typically made with a slow-acting poison that is attractive to silverfish. Once ingested, the poison can help to eliminate the entire colony.
Insecticides: Insecticides are chemical products that are designed to kill insects, including silverfish. They can be applied as a spray or dust, and typically contain a synthetic insecticide.
Aerosols: Aerosols are a type of spray product that can be used to control silverfish. These products typically contain a synthetic insecticide and can be applied to surfaces where silverfish are likely to travel, such as around baseboards or in cracks and crevices.

It is important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully when using any insecticide, and to take appropriate safety precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask.

Is silverfish a sign of a dirty house?

No, the presence of silverfish in a home is not necessarily a sign of a dirty house. Silverfish are attracted to areas with high humidity and warmth and typically feed on starchy materials such as paper, glue, and fabric. While a dirty house with food debris and clutter may provide additional hiding places for silverfish, even clean homes can have silverfish if the conditions are right. To prevent silverfish infestations, it is important to control humidity levels, repair leaks and moisture problems, and store items such as books and clothing in airtight containers.