Silverfish is also known as carpet shark and has a metallic covered torpedo shaped body with silvery scales on it. Silverfish is nocturnal and likes humid and dark areas.
They can spread from infested places to non infested places by moving things such as cardboard cartons, books or papers from infested places.
The adult female member of silverfish family can lay an average of 10 eggs. The best growth of silverfish occurs at a temperature and humidity of 22-27°C (72-80 degrees Fahrenheit) and 75 - 97 per cent respectively.
Its presence indicates uneven chewing marks, eaten holes directly by paper, small dark feces and minute yellowish stains associated with feeding. It can destroy paper and books.
Questions & Answers
Do silverfish carry germs and disease organisms?
Silverfish usually live in warm and humid places such as in basements, around water pipes, and inside linen closets and do not live off organic matter (garbage). So they are less likely to carry diseases causing organisms on their body.
What do silverfish eat?
Silverfish basically lives on starchy substances - paper, glue, textiles and can also eat biscuit and bread crumbs.
How long do they live?
The life span of silverfish is around 2 years and lives at a temperature of 31 °C (84 degrees Fahrenheit).
How can I prevent a re-infestation of silverfish?
It is useful to control or eliminate chronic moisture and changing physical environment on regular basis. Control hiding places by strategically caulking and re arrange things in hidden areas on regular basis.
What time of the year are silverfish most commonly found?
Silverfish can be found throughout the year as it is year-round bug.
When am I most likely to see silverfish?
Silverfish is most likely be seen at nights as it is nocturnal.
