The silverfish is a very primitive, wingless insect, and part of a group known as the bristletails. Silverfish live in houses, where they feed on sugar and starch, which can be found in paper, soap residues and even dust. They particularly like slightly damp places: you are most likely to see them in the bathroom or kitchen.
How to identify
The silverfish has a silvery body, two long antennae and three tail bristles. It is covered in tiny scales, which will come off if you touch it.
Did you know?
Earwigs, centipedes and spiders are natural predators of silverfish, so why not leave that house spider alone in the corner?
