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Silverfish
Often found in basements, kitchens and bathrooms
Silverfish are nocturnal, elongated, flattened insects typically 13–25 millimetres (0.51–0.98 in) long. Their abdomen tapers at the end, giving them a fish-like appearance. They are born whitish, but develop a greyish hue and metallic shine as they get older.They have three long cerci at the tip of their their abdomens, one parallel to their body, one facing left, and one facing right. They also have two small small compound eyes, despite other members of of Thysanura being completely eyeless.
Silverfish completely lack wings. They have long long antennae, and move in a wiggling motion that resembles the movement of a fish. This, coupled with their appearance, influences their common name. Silverfish typically live for two to eight years.
Silverfish consume matter that contains polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. These include glue, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, coffee, hair, carpet, clothing and dandruff. Silverfish can also cause damage to tapestries. Other substances that may be eaten include cotton, linen, silk, synthetic fibres and dead insects or even its own exuvia (moulted exoskeleton). During famine, a silverfish may even attack leatherware and synthetic fabrics. Silverfish can live for a year or more without eating.
Silverfish are considered a household pest, due to their consumption and destruction of property. Although they are responsible for the contamination of food and other types of damage, they do not transmit disease.
Call Delmar today if you think you have silverfish.
