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SILVERFISH
Silverfish are believed to be one of the most primitive of living insect orders. A silverfish fossil has been found supposedly dating as far back as 400 million years. Silverfish have characterized “carrot-shaped” bodies, but are flattened top to bottom. They are covered with silvery scales, and have three long, slender “antennae-like” appendages projecting from the end of the abdomen, giving them the name “bristle tails.” Silverfish are a tropical insect and thrive in the environment that man creates in his home. They thrive in warm, moist climates and feed primarily on books and paper, as well as glues and pastes found on wall paper and shelf paper. Even in small numbers, they can cause significant damage. Silverfish will also eat sugar, flour, cereals, and some fabrics.
FIREBRATS
Firebrats are the smallest variety of silverfish, and are found in the warmest locations, being found even in humid boiler rooms and bakeries. They are a mottled gray or brown color, and only 7/16th inch in size. They normally live outdoors, but can do the same damage to paper items, wallpaper, and fabric as do silverfish indoors. They are also nocturnal in nature.
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