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Safety Products

Please be sure to read the product label of any insecticide you choose to use to get information on the personal protective safety gear you will need. In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

Silverfish Identification Guide

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

By DoMyOwn staff
Overview
Image of a silverfish

Silverfish are small pests that can cause damage to your possessions, especially those made of natural fibers. Silverfish are attracted to sugars and starches and prefer natural materials such as cotton, silk, and linen. They will eat books, wallpaper, carpet, glue, hair, paper, photos, and can damage tapestries. Luckily, silverfish do not bite or carry disease.

Use this guide to identify silverfish. If you have silverfish and need to remove them, continue reading our silverfish guide to learn how to find silverfish in your home and how to kill silverfish.

Size
Diagram of a silverfish's size

Silverfish measure 1/2 - 3/4 inches in length.

Shape
Diagram showing the anatomy of a silverfish

Silverfish have carrot-shaped bodies and do not have wings. They have 2 antennae and 3 long bristles on their rear.

Color
Image showing the color of silverfish

As their name implies, adult silverfish are gray and metallic, thus appearing silver. Young silverfish are white or cream in color.

Range
Map showing the range of silverfish in the United States

Silverfish can be found across the United States.

Found silverfish? Read part 2 of our 4-part guide to discover where silverfish hide in your home. Click the arrow below to read more.

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