One of the more literally named species in the animal kingdom, the silverfish gets its name from a combination of the silvery-blue hue of its body and the fish-like way they move when they walk. These nocturnal insects measure between half an inch and one inch long, with two long antennae growing from their heads and two appendages from the back. Should they lose the appendages or antennae, they can grow them back in about 4 weeks. Most species have two compound eyes, meaning that, like other bugs, they are made up of many tiny photoreception units, although some species, such as those of the family Nicoletiidae, are eyeless. They typically live for up to three years and subsist on carbohydrates like starches and sugars. These agile runners avoid light and people as much as possible, often seen when they’re scurrying into a hiding place after the lights flick on.

Silverfish are one of the most ancient and primitive insects in the world. They are believed to have evolved as early as 400 million years ago. Archaeologists have identified insect trackways from the Paleozoic Era, between 541 and 251 million years ago, that they believe may have been produced by silverfish. Their diet makes them a potentially very destructive pest, as materials with large percentages of starch include book bindings, wallpaper, paste, clothes, and fabrics. When their preferred foods aren’t available, these scavengers have been known to eat food crumbs and even their own molted exoskeletons. Leather isn’t safe either when they’re starving, but a lack of food won’t do the trick as far as killing them. They’ve been known to live for a year without eating as long as they can get water. https://uwm.edu/field-station/silverfish/

If you spot a silverfish inside your home, the odds are good that there are more of them nearby. Not only do females lay up to 200 eggs at a time in clusters of approximately 50, but they also go to great lengths to lay them in well-hidden spots. Clothes drawers, piles of debris, and crevices deep inside furniture are potential nesting spots. Once laid, the eggs take anywhere from 20 to 60 days to hatch and look almost identical to their adult form.

After silverfish hatch, they become adults during the next few months and up to three years, going through anywhere from 17-66 molts through their entire lives. This is many more times than most other insect species, which generally stop molting when they become adults. In certain conditions, these arthropods can go through this shedding process as many as thirty times in a year. Unfortunately, the shed skins can collect dust and cause an allergic reaction in some people. At least they are one pest that getting bitten is not an option.

If you suspect you’ve got a silverfish infestation in the sunny south Santa Clara or Silicon Valley area, contact Delta Pest Control. We can get rid of them before they can cause some serious damage. Our hard word has earned us the title as the most-trusted pest control service in the area. Estimates are available upon request.