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A silver fish against a white background - Keep silver fish out of your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Silverfish

Actual Size: ½ to ¾”

Characteristics:  Elongated, flat bodies, covered with dull gray-silver scales that taper towards the rear.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Tails: 3

Habitat: Thrive in humid environments and are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other areas with high moisture levels.

Habits:

  • Also called firebrats.
  • Lack wings and move in a quick fish-like manner.
  • Known for destructive feeding habits and damaging clothing, paper, and wallpaper.
  • Primarily nocturnal, preferring to hide in dark, damp areas.

Silverfish in Central Arkansas

Silverfish possess enzymes in their digestive system that break down cellulose, allowing them to reside in bookcases, closets, and areas abundant in books, clothing, starch, or dry foods. Known for their agility, these insects can swiftly move sideways or jump when startled. Silverfish hatch from eggs into nymphs and then gradually molt into adults without a pupal stage. They can molt throughout their entire lives. Their flattened bodies enable them to seek shelter in small cracks and crevices, including narrow book bindings, loose book pages, and corrugated cardboard.

Silverfish Habitat

Silverfish have a diet consisting of carbohydrates and proteins, and they can exhibit cannibalistic behavior by consuming the cast skins of deceased or injured members. These nocturnal creatures rely heavily on humidity for survival, seeking refuge during daylight hours in areas with elevated moisture levels, such as laundry rooms, beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, and within crawl spaces. Silverfish pose a threat to paper products, particularly those with a glazed surface. They are particularly attracted to the sizing agents used in paper production, which may include starch, dextrin, casein, gum, and adhesive.

Silverfish Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Silverfish lack wings and, instead of flying, crawl swiftly in a fish-like manner. When disturbed, they swiftly relocate to another secluded area. While they do not bite or sting, they can inflict significant damage on personal belongings and food supplies. With weak jaws, silverfish scrape rather than bite, leading to holes in fabric, clothing, and discoloration of various materials such as books, paper products, and wallpaper. Additionally, they pose a contamination risk to dry foods like cereals, flour, pasta, and pet food. If you have excess silverfish in your Central Arkansas property, contact your local exterminators for help.