Description: The adult silverfish is about 2 cm long, including the long tail filaments. The most common house species is covered with smooth glistening silvery scales. They develop slowly under house conditions and can live for several months without food.Silverfish cause damage by eating foods or other materials that are high in protein, sugar, or starch. They eat cereals, moist wheat flour, paper on which there is glue or paste, wallpaper and book bindings, starch in clothing, and rayon fabrics. Silverfish are nocturnal and are not often seen by day. The silverfish lives and develops in dark, damp, cool places, especially bathrooms and basements. Large numbers may be found in new buildings in which the masonry is still damp. Because silverfish need and seek moisture, they are frequently found trapped in sinks and bathtubs. They may also be found in bookcases, around closet shelves, behind skirting boards and window and door frames. Silverfish are often brought into new homes in cardboard cartons, books and papers from infested sites.