PEST NAME : SILVERFISH  (Lepisma saccharina L)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : 15 to 20mm.  Taper carrot shaped body, covered in silvery scales producing a white glistening appearance.  Three distinctive thin bristly tails, long thin antennae.  Wingless.

BIOLOGY :  100 eggs laid over two to three month period in cracks and crevices.  There are 10 nymphal stages.  Adult reached at approximately 1 year.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Protein rich gums and book  binding pastes, fine textile and leather goods, dried powdered foods especially  in damp areas.

HABITAT :  In cracks and crevices especially skirting boards, loose poor fitting coving and around doorframes.  Damp areas favoured. Nocturnal.