Silverfish are attracted to moist areas. These habitats—such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and bathrooms—play a key role in the longevity of a silverfish’s lifespan.

Silverfish in Jacksonville, Tampa, Gainesville, and elsewhere throughout Florida are about 3/4-inch in size and silver or brown in color. These insects have an oval, elongated body with six legs. They get their name because of their rapid movements, which can appear like those of a fish. Silverfish have no wings, but they are very fast-moving insects.

Silverfish can survive up to one year with no food; however, they do require a high humidity environment to survive. In addition to being nocturnal, they make it a point to stay hidden from the view of humans.