Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina
Anatomy
Identification
Distinguishing Features
- Carrot-shaped (tapered) flattened body
- Three long, bristle-like appendages at the rear (two cerci and one central filament)
- Two long antennae at the front
- Fish-like wiggling movement with sudden stops
- Completely wingless
Biology
Lifecycle
No metamorphosis (ametabolous) - nymphs hatch as miniature adults. Remarkably long-lived for an insect: 2-8 years. Continues molting throughout life, shedding skin up to 50 times.
Diet
Carbohydrate scavengers with a preference for polysaccharides. Feeds on starch, glue, book bindings, photos, wallpaper paste, sugar, hair, and dandruff. Can survive over a year without food if water is available.
Nesting
Strictly indoor pests in Canada - cannot survive winter outdoors. Prefer dark, humid environments with temperatures between 21-27C. Found in cracks, crevices, and behind baseboards.
Signs of Infestation
Live silverfish sightings
Often found trapped in bathtubs, sinks, or scurrying across floors at night. Their quick, darting movement is distinctive.
Feeding damage to paper
Irregular holes and surface grazing on books, documents, and wallpaper. Look for yellowish staining around damaged areas.
Shed skins
Tiny, papery molted exoskeletons found in hidden areas. Silverfish molt throughout their lives.
Yellow stains and scales
Yellowish stains on fabric and paper, plus tiny silvery scales rubbed off their bodies.
Pepper-like feces
Small, pepper-like droppings in areas of activity, especially in bookcases and storage areas.
Where They Nest
- Bathrooms, especially under sinks and around tubs
- Basements and crawlspaces with moisture issues
- Kitchens near dishwashers and under refrigerators
- Bookcases, filing cabinets, and storage boxes
- Behind baseboards and in wall voids
Distribution in Canada
Found in all provinces as an indoor pest. Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. Cannot establish outdoor populations in Canada's climate.
Active Season
Active year-round indoors. No seasonal variation as they require stable indoor conditions. More visible when humidity is high.
Prevention
- Control humidity with dehumidifiers - keep below 50% relative humidity
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and basements
- Fix plumbing leaks promptly
- Store books and papers in sealed plastic containers
- Reduce clutter in basements and storage areas
- Seal cracks in baseboards and around pipes
Professional Treatment
Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing moisture sources that sustain populations. Targeted applications to cracks and harborage areas combined with humidity control provide long-term results.
Get General Pest Control ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
What does a Silverfish eat?
Carbohydrate scavengers with a preference for polysaccharides. Feeds on starch, glue, book bindings, photos, wallpaper paste, sugar, hair, and dandruff. Can survive over a year without food if water is available.
Where does a Silverfish nest?
Strictly indoor pests in Canada - cannot survive winter outdoors. Prefer dark, humid environments with temperatures between 21-27C. Found in cracks, crevices, and behind baseboards.
When is a Silverfish most active?
Active year-round indoors. No seasonal variation as they require stable indoor conditions. More visible when humidity is high.
What are the signs of a Silverfish infestation?
Live silverfish sightings: Often found trapped in bathtubs, sinks, or scurrying across floors at night. Their quick, darting movement is distinctive. Feeding damage to paper: Irregular holes and surface grazing on books, documents, and wallpaper. Look for yellowish staining around damaged areas. Shed skins: Tiny, papery molted exoskeletons found in hidden areas. Silverfish molt throughout their lives. Yellow stains and scales: Yellowish stains on fabric and paper, plus tiny silvery scales rubbed off their bodies. Pepper-like feces: Small, pepper-like droppings in areas of activity, especially in bookcases and storage areas.
How can I prevent a Silverfish infestation?
Control humidity with dehumidifiers - keep below 50% relative humidity. Improve ventilation in bathrooms and basements. Fix plumbing leaks promptly. Store books and papers in sealed plastic containers. Reduce clutter in basements and storage areas. Seal cracks in baseboards and around pipes.
How is a Silverfish treated?
Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing moisture sources that sustain populations. Targeted applications to cracks and harborage areas combined with humidity control provide long-term results.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Zygentoma
- Family
- Lepismatidae
- Genus
- Lepisma
