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Pestgon FactSheet
“
If they fly they die…if they crawl they fall”
SILVERFISH (Lepisma
saccharina)
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Description:
Silverfish like firebrats, are small, slim, carrot-shaped insects without
wings that normally live outdoors. They are soft-bodied about 1/2 to 1 inch
long and are silver-gray to pearly-bronze in color. Apparently they get their
name from their shininess like a fish. Extending from the rear of the tapered
abdomen are three antennae-like filaments. Seeking food or moisture, occasionally,
silverfish are found trapped in the sink or basin in an office.
Biology:
Silverfish are not often seen because they are nocturnal and can run very
swiftly. Silverfish and firebrats are active at night and hide during the
day. When objects are moved where they are hiding, they dart out and seek
new hiding places. The silverfish lives and develops in cool places with
sufficient humidity, often storage areas, bathrooms and kitchens. Firebrats
prefer warmer, dry environments, often near heaters. New buildings where
the walls are still damp from plaster and green lumber may have increased
numbers of silverfish. They can live for up to one year without food.
Economic Impact:
When trapped indoors silverfish will feed on almost anything. They seem to
have a preference for starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen and other common
fabrics as well as food tuffs. That makes the furniture, wall coverings and
many office supplies vulnerable to silverfish damage. They are often found
among books because they feed on the paper and the glue in the binding.
Their very presence suggests that something is being eaten and destroyed.
So besides being a general nuisance they are also destructive little pests.
Management Methods:
Removing old papers, corrugated boxes, books, and fabrics from storage areas
will help remove food and hiding places. Although it is a good preventative
measure, from years of experience, Pestgon has determined that sanitation
alone will not eliminate an infestation. A large infestation usually means
the facility has been infested for some time. An insecticidal dust, residual
aerosol insecticide or silverfish bait stations will usually eliminate these
pests.