Silverfish may be small, but they’re some of the strangest insects you can find crawling around your home. With their silvery scales, long antennae, and three bristle-like appendages, they have an almost prehistoric appearance—and for good reason.
Silverfish belong to an ancient group of insects that has been around for hundreds of millions of years. Their quick, wiggling movement resembles a fish swimming through water, which helps explain their unusual name.
Fascinating? Absolutely. Something you want sharing your Phoenix-area home? Probably not.
Here are some surprising facts about silverfish—and a few reasons to pay attention if you start seeing them indoors.
1. Silverfish Were Here Long Before Us
Silverfish come from an extremely ancient insect lineage that predates the dinosaurs. They've survived enormous changes to the planet while retaining many of the characteristics that make them so recognizable today.
That makes the silverfish running across your bathroom floor a distant relative of insects that were around hundreds of millions of years ago.
2. They're Fast, But They Can't Fly
Silverfish don't have wings, and they aren't equipped with many of the defenses found in other insects. What they do have is speed.
When disturbed, they can quickly scurry into cracks, crevices, and other hiding places. Their side-to-side movement is another reason they can appear almost fishlike as they dart across the floor.
3. Moisture Is a Big Reason They Move In
There's a reason silverfish frequently turn up in bathrooms, basements, laundry areas, and other damp locations.
They prefer environments with higher humidity and tend to stay in dark, protected areas with relatively little disturbance. Seeing silverfish can sometimes be a clue that there's excess moisture somewhere in or around your home.
4. Their Menu Is Surprisingly Long
Silverfish aren't particularly picky eaters. They are attracted to materials containing starches, sugars, and proteins and may feed on things you wouldn't normally think of as insect food.
Their menu can include:
- Paper and cardboard
- Book bindings and glue
- Wallpaper paste
- Fabrics
- Stored pantry foods
- Dead insects
This is one reason an infestation can become more than simply an annoyance. Silverfish may damage books, papers, clothing, and other belongings as they feed.
5. They Can Go a Very Long Time Without Food
One of the more remarkable silverfish facts is their ability to survive for extended periods without eating. Under the right conditions, silverfish can reportedly survive for many months without food.
That ability makes waiting for them to simply disappear on their own a questionable pest-control strategy.
6. Silverfish Can Live for Years
Many household insects have relatively short lives. Silverfish are different.
Depending on conditions and species, their development can be slow, and some silverfish can live for several years. Their long lifespan gives them plenty of time to remain hidden and reproduce inside a suitable environment.
7. Seeing One Doesn't Tell You the Whole Story
Silverfish are good at staying out of sight. They commonly hide in cracks, crevices, and other protected spaces and are often more active at night.
That means the silverfish you happen to see may not be the only one present. Rather than assuming a single insect wandered inside, watch for recurring sightings or other signs of activity.
Ancient Insects Don't Belong in Your House
Silverfish may be fascinating creatures, but they're considerably more interesting when you're reading about them than when they're darting across your bathroom floor.
If you're seeing silverfish repeatedly, it may be time to find out where they're coming from and why they've decided your home is a good place to stay.
Need Help With Silverfish? Call Frontino
If silverfish are making themselves at home in your Phoenix-area property, Frontino Pest Control can help. Our pest control professionals can assess the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Learn more about our silverfish extermination services in Phoenix, or contact Frontino Pest Control at 602-338-9223 today to request an inspection and quote.
