With their long, sleek bodies, distinctive antennae and unique wiggling manner, silverfish are most curious creatures. But, once they cross my threshold, my view drastically changes. They transform into unwelcome invaders, nesting in my home, feasting on my books and causing havoc. They must be eradicated.
Yet, as I look closer at this one agile and cunning creature scurrying across my cover of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (1967), I realize that it isn’t a silverfish at all. It’s a bristletail.
Bristletails and silverfish share a similar appearance but belong to different insect orders. Silverfish are classified under Zygentoma, while bristletails belong to Microcoryphia. Despite this distinction, they share some behavioral traits.
When any creature invades your home, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with, as different insects choose distinct nesting locations, have varying dietary preferences and may (or may not) be harmful. Let’s delve into the specifics of these five insects so that you’re fully aware of exactly what miscreant you’re dealing with.
Known as the silver bug and belonging to the Zygentoma order, silverfish are incredibly fast and agile insects that can dart and wiggle their way out of tight spaces and move quickly over any surface (even vertical ones). Unfortunately to homeowners, they are highly adaptable and resilient insects, able to survive in a wide range of environments and conditions, including extreme temperatures and high humidity, even with scarce food supplies. They are nocturnal creatures and damage a plethora of household items during their waking hours.
Tip: The term “cellulose-based” refers to materials made from the structural component of plant cell walls—cellulose. Silverfish are attracted to these materials because they contain plant-derived substances that these insects can digest.
Earwigs—which I know as pincher bugs—belong to the order Dermaptera and have been around for millions of years. Theyve earned a dual reputation as both a pest and a helpful ally; in the garden, they feed on other insects like aphids and mites. However, despite their beneficial role in controlling pests, an earwig infestation can still be a significant nuisance. Its important to implement prevention and control measures. Nevertheless, I retain a certain admiration for these ancient insects and the crucial role they play in the natural world.
Bristletails— sometimes referred to as “silverfish with tails” because of their similar shape and coloration to silverfish—belong to Microcoryphia. They (like earwigs) have been around for millions of years, mastering their domain through countless evolutionary changes and environmental shifts. They serve as an important food source for many predators in the ecosystem.
Firebrats belong to the Zygentoma order. They may not be as famous as their cousin—the silverfish—but they are just as intriguing. With their long antennae and flattened bodies, they scuttle around with such speed and agility that they could give an Olympic sprinter a run for their money. But dont be fooled by their size; these little critters can cause quite a stir when they infest a building. They love to nibble on a wide range of organic materials and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
Firebrats differ from silverfish in color, appearing in shades of grey or brown, and prefer warmer conditions.
Note: In the case of an infestation, their feces, skin molts and yellow excrement (as well as those of silverfish and bristletails) may rarely trigger allergic reactions in some people, particularly those who are very sensitive to dust or insect allergens.
Ah, booklice. A common sight in libraries and archives, these tiny psocids, belonging to the Psocoptera order, may be small, but they can cause quite a stir. Despite their name, they arent actually lice at all, but rather a type of psocid. (Psocids are minute, usually winged insects with simple mouthparts, formerly grouped under the synonym Corrodentia.)
Earwigs are odd-looking insects with their characteristic pinchers protruding from their abdomen But several other bugs share similarities in appearance that cause them to be mistaken for earwigs In this article, we’ll look at 8 bugs that are often confused with earwigs and how to tell them apart.
Silverfish
Silverfish superficially resemble earwigs with their long, slender, flattened bodies and two antennae. However, silverfish only grow to about 1⁄2 inch long while earwigs can reach 1 inch Silverfish also lack the signature pinchers on the rear Their abdomens simply taper to a point.
Silverfish are covered in silver scales, giving them their metallic sheen. Earwigs have uniformly brown or black bodies. While earwigs live outdoors primarily, silverfish thrive indoors in humid environments. Check basements, bathrooms, and kitchens for their presence.
Firebrats
Firebrats look nearly identical to silverfish. They have elongated, flattened bodies tapering to a point at the tip. The key difference lies in their coloration. Firebrats are a dark gray or mottled black rather than silvery.
True to their name, firebrats relish warmth. They inhabit attics, furnace rooms, and around heating appliances. Firebrats also damage books, wallpaper, starch-based items, and fabrics. Like silverfish, firebrats lack pincers and are much smaller than earwigs.
Centipedes
Some small centipede species superficially resemble earwigs. They have elongated bodies with multiple sets of legs. However, centipedes have at least 15 pairs of legs while earwigs only have 6.
Centipedes come in a much greater range of colors than earwigs too. While earwigs are strictly brown or black, centipedes can be orange, yellow, green, blue, or brightly banded. Centipedes also lack pincers.
The two can be confused when seen quickly scooting across the floor. But their leg counts make identification easy with a closer look.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches share habitats with earwigs and cause much confusion. Several roach species have long, oval-shaped brown bodies. Their long antennae resemble earwig pincers from afar.
However, roaches have uniform bodies lacking any pinchers on the rear. Roaches also move their antennae actively, while earwig pincers remain still. Cockroaches are exclusively brown while earwigs often have darker patches.
Check the rear end for pincers or a tapered point to discern between the two. A curled-up roach may resemble an earwig, so look closely!
Termites
Winged termites are sometimes mistaken for earwigs due to their size. But termites have straight antennae and lack any sign of pinchers. Their wings are also uniform in structure while earwigs have leathery front wings and membranous hind wings.
Termite swarmers are weaker fliers too. They flutter and spiral slowly through the air while earwigs fly powerfully in straight lines. The thick waists of winged termites distinguish them from the tapered bodies of earwigs as well.
Bristletails
Primitive wingless insects called bristletails bear resemblance to earwigs with their long bodies and abdominal filaments. However, bristletail “tails” extend straight while earwig pinchers curl.
Bristletails also lack the leathery front wings earwigs possess. Most bristletail species are silver, gray, or purplish rather than the brown of earwigs too. Bristletails are tiny, measuring just 1⁄8 to 1⁄2 inch, while earwigs exceed 1⁄2 inch.
Stoneflies
Stonefly nymphs populate streams and resemble earwigs in form. They have elongated bodies with two tail-like appendages. However, the stonefly nymph’s tails are thin and threadlike. Earwig pinchers are much thicker in proportion to their bodies.
Stoneflies also have just a single pair of wings emerging from their thorax while earwigs have two pairs. Stonefly nymphs lack the hardened front wings of earwigs too.
Rove Beetles
Rove beetles sport elongated bodies and can appear superficially earwig-like. However, rove beetles have full elytra (hardened wing covers) extending the length of their abdomens. Earwigs have leathery forewings leaving half their abdomen exposed.
Rove beetles’ bodies also taper evenly from thorax to abdomen while earwigs’ abdomens widen then abruptly narrow for the pincers. The beetles’ legs emerge from the sides of their bodies rather than earwigs’ undersides as well.
With so many bugs bearing resemblance to earwigs, examination from multiple angles is key for proper identification. Pay close attention to the presence and form of any tail-like appendages and wing structures. Consider size, coloration, and leg positioning as well. With practice, distinguishing earwigs from lookalikes becomes simple.
Why am I finding so many silverfish (or earwigs or firebrats or booklice) in my home?
If any of these slithering miscreants are frequently found in your home, their presence is an indicator of high humidity or moisture levels, which can—if left unchecked—contribute to mold growth and other structural issues. Therefore, it is important to address an infestation promptly and take steps to reduce humidity levels in affected areas—such as improving ventilation, fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers. By controlling moisture levels and eliminating food sources, it is possible to prevent any of these three insects from becoming a bigger problem in a building.
Note: Bristletails are not included in this discussion as they typically prefer outdoor environments.
How do I get rid of silverfish (and earwigs and bristletails and firebrats and booklice)?
You can help to get rid of silverfish, earwigs, firebrats and booklice by following the suggestions above. To completely get rid of these four, plus bristletails, I suggest the use of Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray. Six Feet Under, an effective non-toxic spray, will kill these adult miscreants, their larvae and their eggs. Be mindful of the environment in which they’re living (and hiding)—such as cracks, crevices and baseboards—as you will want to target these locations. In doing so, remember that silverfish, earwigs, firebrats and bristletails are nocturnal. Therefore, if you suspect an infestation of these four insects, it may be helpful to inspect affected areas at night—with a flashlight—to observe their activity and better target your control efforts.
Another suggestion is the use of our Insect Buster Bulb Duster, in combination with food-grade diatomaceous earth (which must be purchased separately). The brilliance of the Insect Buster is that it offers precise distribution, which is exactly what you need when puffing into cracks and crevices. The power and beauty of diatomaceous earth is that you simply need to lay a path where you have seen (or believe there to be) insect activity. You need not be present. Once the silverfish (or earwig or firebrat or bristletail or booklice) glides across a thin trail of this powder, their time is swiftly diminished.
A third and final suggestion is our Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder. Similarly to diatomaceous earth, Dust to Dust should be applied by laying a path in areas where insect activity is suspected or observed. This non-toxic powder offers a safer and more effective alternative for insect control, with proven kill times up to 50% faster than diatomaceous earth. Utilize our Insect Buster for precise application, ensuring that the insects encounter the powder as they move through treated areas.
What Do Earwigs Do With Those Pincers Anyway? | Deep Look
FAQ
What is the bug that looks like an earwig?
Silverfish and firebrats are also nocturnal and prefer damp environments, just like earwigs. Rove beetles have a similar body shape and size to earwigs, but the main difference is that they don’t have the tell-tale earwig pincers. Termites can sometimes be mistaken for earwigs as well due to their size and body shape.
Why shouldn’t you kill an earwig?
Earwigs look like dangerous pests thanks to their menacing pincers, but they’re actually good to have around. Their pincers are used for defense. As long as you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone. They feed on dead insects and decomposing plant matter, and that’s good for the health of your garden.
Why am I seeing a lot of earwigs in my house?
… prefer to thrive in our space, but through human activity or lack of good maintenance via screens, doors or conditions leading to excessive moisture …
What is similar to an earwig?
If you’ve noticed small, wingless insects scurrying around in your home, they may be silverfish, firebrats, or earwigs. These household pests are quite common and easily mistaken for each other.
What bugs look like earwigs?
Featuring elongated bodies, the broad-headed bugs may seem earwig-like at first glance. However, these bugs that look like earwigs are plant-feeders and lack the characteristic pincers. 12. Vinegaroons (Mastigoproctus giganteus)
How do you know if an earwig is a bug?
First, look at the antennae. Earwigs have long, thin antennae, while other bugs have shorter antennae. Second, look at the body shape. Earwigs have a slender body with two pincers, while other bugs have a more rounded body. Third, look at the movement. Earwigs move quickly and erratically, while other bugs move more slowly. 1. Centipedes.
What is an earwig insect?
Earwigs are insects that belong to a specific insect order Dermaptera. The Latin name means leathery wings. What they’re known for among everyday homesteaders are not their specific wings but pincers at their rear end – the forceps-like structures with a defensive purpose. Here are ten earwig facts to get to know them better!
Are long brown bugs earwigs?
Many brown bugs that are at least 5mm long are often confused with earwigs. However, these bugs are not earwigs and are not dangerous for laying eggs in the ear canal. Earwigs are common insects across the US and are also brown in color.
What do earwigs look like?
Earwigs are easily recognizable by their shiny brown body and dark yellow legs. They grow up to a maximum size of 200mm and have 2 long antennae and 2 long cerci that resemble pincers. These cerci are connected to the rear of their body.
Are earwigs a beneficial insect?
Earwigs are a beneficial insect because they help to control aphid populations. They are also useful in the garden, as they feed on decaying matter and help to aerate the soil. Here are a few tips to help you distinguish between earwigs and other bugs. First, look at the antennae.