Common Name:
Silverfish
Scientific Name:
Lepisma saccharina
Unique Qualities:
Silverfish have a pair of long antennae at the front and three long tail-like structures at the rear. They prefer cool, moist, dark areas and have a transparent, glistening, silvery appearance. Silverfish are among the most difficult insects to fully get rid of. It is difficult to get rid of silverfish in your home because they can last up to one year without food!
Can be Seen:
They are found almost anywhere!
Likes to Hang Out:
Silverfish normally live outdoors under rocks, bark and leaf mold, in the nests of birds and mammals, and in ant and termite nests. However, many are found in houses and are considered a pest by homeowners. Usually they are found trapped in a bathtub, sink, or washbasin.
Likes to Eat:
They eat paper, dried beef, flour, starch, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, moulds, cleansing tissue, onion skin, cellophane, and breakfast cereals.
Status:
Silverfish are common in North American homes and are considered pests.
