WSU Extension

Pestsense

Nuisance
 
Bagworms
Brown marmorated stink bug
Centipedes
Clover mites
Cluster flies
Cockroaches
Firebrats
Fruit flies
Fungus gnats
Giant house spider
Hobo spider
House centipede
House dust mites
House flies
Little house flies
Mice and rats
Millipedes
Moth flies (drain flies)
Multi-colored Asian lady beetle
Odorous house ants
Pavement ants
Pseudoscorpions
Root weevils
Seed bugs
Silverfish
Sowbugs and pillbugs
Spiders (non-biting)
Springtails
Thatching ants
Western boxelder bug



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Caption: Silverfish
Photo by: unknown
  
Silverfish
(revision date: 7/14/2015)

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology
Silverfish are wingless, fast-moving insects that are about 1/2 inch long. They have two long antennae on their head and three long bristles on their tail. Just like their name suggests, silverfish are silver-gray and prefer to live in cool damp areas. With their chewing mouthparts, silverfish feed on starchy materials such as glue, paste, fabric finish, book bindings, paper and fabric and can be found anywhere in the house.
Management Options

Non-Chemical Management
  • Avoid accumulating large amounts of paper, books and lumber.
  • Keep storage areas clean.
  • Trap insects by using a small jar with smooth vertical walls. Place something rough on the outer walls of the jar to allow the insect to crawl up and fall into the jar. Trapping is enhanced by placing something like flour or oatmeal inside the jar. Place traps in the insect’s path, such as in corners and next to walls.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

None recommended.

Images

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Caption: Silverfish
Photo by: unknown