The Definitive Silverfish Guide


Silverfish bugs are a common household pest that are usually gray or dark gray in color and they are known for their fish like movements. Their wispy legs give them the ability to move very quickly, so they are often almost impossible to catch. These pests will eat almost anything, and they need to be exterminated because they can cause thousands of dollars in damage, as well as the fact that they are unsightly. These critters are very sturdy, so it can be very difficult to get rid of them, while it is not really a problem to find just a few of them on occasion in a house.


The female silverfish bug will lay up to fifty eggs after being fertilized by the male's spermatophore. She will lay her eggs in dark cracks in the floor and other places. Their offspring are called nymphs, and it can take them up to a year to become an adult. They will molt many times in their lifetime, and if you look closely you might be able to find their molted skin around the house, which will be a good indicator of where the problem is. These insects can actually live up to 8 years if no harm comes to them.

You might find silverfish bug in any part of your home, but they are more likely to be found in damp places, such as dark basements. One way of helping to ease the problem would be to eliminate any dampness, especially with a dehumidifier. They will eat a large variety of materials in your house, and there is no way to seal off absolutely everything that they might eat. However, it is a good idea to try to keep your rooms clean and to vacuum often in case of any crumbs. They will eat any food that you might have laying around, so it is best to try to keep crumbs off the floor.

Some of the things that silverfish bug will eat include hair, dead skin, dandruff, but they will usually eat more valuable materials. They are especially partial to the glue that binds books, so if you have a valuable library, you will need to put some kind of repellant or trap in those places. They can damage the paper and destroy books very easily. They will also destroy some clothes, even leather and wool. It is not uncommon for them to attack photos and newspapers, especially damp things.

When it comes to the silverfish bug, they are definitely a pest and the better you seal up any cracks that insects can get into your house through, the better. If you know which areas the silverfish are often in, you will be able to know where to seal up any cracks, and possibly leave bait or poison. Always be sure to look at all of the instructions on any chemical you may use, and keep it out of reach of children or pets. Silverfish bug are unsanitary, though they do not transmit diseases, and you should strive to have as few as possible.
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