What bug has a small gray body and three antennas?

Question: Recently, I have had a small problem with a weird-looking insect that I have never seen before. It’s small and seems to congregate under wood such as plywood.

It has a slender, gray body that is broader at the head and tapers down towards the end; it also has three antennas.

Would you be able to tell me what this bug is?

Answer: From your description, I think it may be silverfish or a closely related species. With a specimen the identification would be conclusive.

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are often found around the home. They have probably found a food source under the plywood. Silverfish also like moist areas. Their preferred diet is sugars and starches, so they can damage books and documents.

Contact your qualified Orkin Pest Specialist to conduct a thorough inspection of your home. They can make recommendations on ways to reduce their food sources and moisture, and develop a customized treatment strategy to rid your home of these insects.

Related Questions

Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

Question: I have seen really slender, flattened body, grayish bugs in the bathrooms. They move really quickly to hide under the sideboard. I looked up the silverfish, and it looks like the silverfish but this bug did not have any back or front antennas.

Answer: Well, maybe you didn’t see the antennae. But, I’m fairly certain these were silverfish.

Question: I have this flat, grayish bug that I keep finding in my bedroom. It is very fast, and it has two antennae. I’m trying to find out what it is, and if its harmful because I have a new baby.

Answer: Silverfish don’t carry any disease organisms, and they don’t bite.

For additional information on Silverfish click here.