Pest Expert Overview: Silverfish in Bryan & College Station
Silverfish, Lepisma saccharina, are primitive insects with long flattened bodies. They have a silvery grey appearance from a scale-like covering over their bodies. Silverfish are wingless and have 3 tail-like projections called cerci. They move in a wriggling motion which, along with their scale covering, is how they became known as silverfish.
Life Cycle
Silverfish can be found in closets, near stored books or paper products and in attics. They require higher moisture to survive and may be more numerous in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. They tend to be most active at night. They feed on a variety of starches that can be found in paper products and glues. Silverfish are able to go up to a year without food.
Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices in groups of around 10 eggs, producing around 30 eggs per day. Eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble adults, after about 30 days. The nymphs molt around 6 times before reaching sexual maturity. The adults continue to molt, which is unusual among insects. They live 2 to 3 years and can molt as many as 60 times in their lives.
Why are they Pests?
Silverfish are generally just considered a nuisance. However, large numbers of silverfish left untreated for a long period of time can damage book bindings, paper products, carpets, furniture and some stored foods.
Silverfish Prevention
Reducing moisture in and around the home is the best method of prevention for silverfish.
Professional Silverfish Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of silverfish, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
