Learn about Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that get their name from from their silvery light gray and blue color, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements. Silverfish consume matter that contains polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. Food sources of silverfish include glue, book bindings, paper and paper products, photographs, sugar, coffee, hair, carpet fibers and adhesive, clothing, and even human skin flakes and dandruff. Silverfish can also cause damage to curtains and tapestries. Other substances that may be eaten include cotton, linen, and silk fabrics. Silverfish are also known to feast upon other dead insects or even its own molted exoskeleton. During times of famine, a silverfish may even eat leather materials or synthetic fabrics. Researchers have suggested that silverfish can live for a year or more without eating.