© 2025 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the Legal Statement.
Get in Touch
Contact an Expert
Silverfish at Your Work
Benefit from industry-specific, targeted silverfish control for your business
How To Identify Silverfish
(Ctenolepisma longicaudata)
Appearance
- Silvery or grey in colour.
- Tapered, tail-like appearance.
- Wingless, with 2 slender antennae.
- These teardrop -shaped insects measure up to 10 – 12 mm in length.
Lifecycle
- Silverfish reproduction habits vary by species – some species laying a few eggs a day and others laying clusters of 2 – 20 eggs on a daily basis.
Habits
- Silverfish eggs are commonly hidden in tiny cracks or crevices, making them extremely difficult to locate.
- Silverfish prefer warm, humid places such as bathrooms and kitchens and are especially attracted to paper and damp clothing.
- Feed on carbohydrates, especially sugars and starches.