Silverfish are believed to be one of the most primitive of living insect orders. A silverfish fossil has been found supposedly dating as far back as 400 million years. Silverfish have characterized “carrot-shaped” bodies, but are flattened top to bottom. They are covered with silvery scales, and have three long, slender “antennae-like” appendages projecting from the end of the abdomen, giving them the name “bristle tails.” Silverfish are a tropical insect and thrive in the environment that man creates in his home. They thrive in warm, moist climates and feed primarily on books and paper, as well as glues and pastes found on wallpaper and shelf paper. Even in small numbers, they can cause significant damage. Silverfish will also eat sugar, flour, cereals, and some fabrics.

The female lay from 1-3 eggs at a time, depositing them in cracks and crevices or under objects. The eggs hatch in about 43 days at 72-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The young look exactly like the adult, only smaller. These insects are very long-lived, often living 2-3 years.