Silverfish are small, soft insects without wings and have a brown or silver-gray color. Their size tends to be about 1/8 to 1 inch. Adults lay very small eggs in groups containing a few to 50 eggs. They are deposited in cracks and crevices throughout the home. Under ideal conditions, the eggs hatch in about two weeks, but may take up to two months to hatch. A female can live between 2-8 years and normally lays less than 100 eggs during her lifespan.
Silverfish normally live outdoors under rocks, bark and leaf mold, inside nests of birds, mammals, ants and termite nests. However, many are found in houses and are considered a nuisance pest. Usually they are found trapped in a bathtub, sink, or washbasin.
These insects prefer vegetable matter with a high carbohydrate and protein content. However, indoors they will feed on almost anything. A partial list includes dried beef, flour, starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, molds and breakfast cereals.
This household pest can feed on cereals, dried meats, non-food items; such as paste, paper, starch in clothes and rayon fabrics.