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Silverfish/Firebrats
These insects of the order Thysanura all have the same characteristic
shape. Their bodies are flattened, long and slender, broad at the front and
tapering gradually toward the rear. The antennae are long and slender. Three
long, slender appendages are found at the rear of the body. These give rise
to common name bristle tails. All silverfish and firebrats are wingless. The
young look like small adults, and their development takes place without
metamorphosis.
Silverfish may be found almost anywhere in a house. However, they usually
are found living close to their source of food. They eat a wide variety of
foods containing proteins or carbohydrates. Such things as rolled oats,
dried beef, flour, starch, paper, cotton, some synthetic fibers, sugar, beef
extracts, dead insects, glue, paste, and linen are all normal items of their
diet. In damp basements or attics they can also feed on the surface molds
that grow on cardboard boxes and other substrates. Silverfish can live for
long periods of time without food.
Most firebrats prefer warm temperatures in excess of 90 degrees and are
usually found indoors in areas associated with heat, such as boiler rooms,
or moisture, such as near water pipes. They are commonly found in bathtubs,
where they become trapped while seeking food or moisture. Firebrats and
silverfish are most active at night and can run very swiftly.
These insects are primarily a nuisance, but they do consume small amounts of
human foods and contaminate it with their body scales and droppings. They
can do considerable damage to some natural and synthetic fibers, books and
other paper products. Their feedings marks are irregular and often appear as
a surface etching that may not even penetrate paper. The may also leave
yellow stains, especially on linens.
Appearance: These insects are about one-fourth inch to one-half
inch long, somewhat "carrot-shaped" from above; gray or silver-colored;
three filaments extend from rear.
Biology: Reproducing occurs in a two to three month reproductive
cycle. They lay about 50 eggs per hatch and live two to two and a half
years.
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If you are experiencing problems with Silverfish/Firebrats
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