Silverfish are nocturnal insects that move very quickly. They are very good at darting away from danger and finding a hiding spot out of sight and out of reach. Their ability to avoid threats is their only defense mechanism.

Silverfish feed on carbohydrates. They are particularly fond of starches and sugars and will feed on many different items in your pantry and around your house. It is common for silverfish to ruin clothing, books, and paper products. They will also feed on shampoos and a variety of fibers.

The development of silverfish varies by species and environment. Silverfish eggs can take anywhere from 20 to 60 days to hatch. The more humid the climate, the faster silverfish will hatch and develop into adults. Female silverfish lay their eggs in cracks and crevices, which makes them difficult to find. Their lifespan also depends on the climate. Silverfish can live for about three years in areas with high temperatures and humidity.

Silverfish are covered with slippery protective scales. These scales allow them to slip away from predators. They also allow silverfish to fit in seemingly flat, tight places such as in book spines.

Finding silverfish in your home can be unsettling. However, silverfish aren’t poisonous and are not known to bite. Furthermore, silverfish aren’t known to carry or transfer disease. They can, however, trigger allergies in some individuals. Silverfish are actually much more of a threat to your belongings than to you. Given their dietary preferences, silverfish can damage belongings you really value such as clothing or photographs.

Many times a homeowner will bring silverfish into his or her own home without even knowing it. Silverfish can be introduced to your home via cardboard boxes and containers that were stored in an infested area. Silverfish will also slip through cracks in your home’s foundation or through loose seals around windows and doors in order to get to warm, damp places. If you have food or dirty dishes left out in the open, you are attracting silverfish, as well as other pests, to your home.

Silverfish are considered one of the oldest insects in the world and have been around for centuries. Their ability to survive should show that they are quite difficult to control. In order to prevent an infestation, one should:

1. Keep food and pet food in airtight containers.

2. Clean flooring and surfaces regularly.

3. Make sure cracks along windows, doors, trims, flooring and ceilings are sealed well.

4. Keep gutters well-maintained and make sure any water drains away from your house.

5. Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms to remove excess moisture.