Question: Recently I have had a small problem with a weird looking insect
that I have never seen before it's real small, and seems to congregate
under wood such as plywood, It with a slender gray body that is broader at
the head and tapers down towards the end, with it also has three antennas.
Would you be able to tell me what this bug is, I thought it was some sort
of termite but all the images of termites I have seen do not resembly this
thing. Your assistance is highly appreciated.
ANSWER I think it may be silverfish or a closely related species.
The household silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is often found in houses. It often gets into houses in packaging material, furniture, and perhaps stored clothing. Silverfish can live in a variety of places, including kitchens, bathroom, basements, garages, storage sheds, and in attics. They feed on starchy material, but can usually find food wherever they are in the house.
They can damage clothing, paper and books. They can be a nuisance and annoy people by their presence. They don't carry any disease organisms, they don't bite, and generally stay out of the way.
Household silverfish are difficult to control. They move around a lot until they find a food source. Then they stay near the food. They hide during trhe day in cracjs and crevices and move around at night.
You can apply aerosol insecticide behind baseboards and in cracks and crevices in the area that you have seen them. Ssticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in these locations can help. Often it is necessary to unpack the boxes where the silverfish have been hiding. If there is a moisture problem, it will need to be repaired before the silverfish can be eliminated.
Outside, an insecticide application on the foundation at ground level can help repel these pests. Weatherstrip doors so they fit snugly. .
