Silverfish
Key Features
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are primitive wingless insects, which as their name suggests, are silvery grey in colour.
Up to 20mm in length, are usually nocturnal, and tend to prefer damp, moist environments, so are most commonly found in
kitchens and bathrooms.
Biology
Silverfish hatch as nymphs from eggs laid in cracks and crevices, and go through up to ten moults over the course of a year,
before reaching maturity.
Distribution
Found world wide, but more prevalent in temperate zones.
Significance
Generally just a nuisance, but can damage textiles, manuscripts, papers and food packaging stored in damp environments.
Control:
Often unnecessary to treat, but can be satisfactorily treated using residual insecticides in crack & crevices. Alternatively, the
infested area can be dried out thoroughly if possible.
