How to Identify and Get Rid of Silverfish

The silverfish is a common household pest, but it’s one that many people never encounter. These tiny, slim pests are nocturnal, so you’ll rarely see them out and about during the day. Silverfish stay hidden in dark places, like cabinets, attics, or basements.

The first sign of a silverfish infestation is often damaging fabric or paper items around your home. They’re attracted to these materials because they’re a source of food and shelter.

They feed on anything containing starch or glue (think books, wallpaper, clothing, and even dandruff), but they won’t eat wood or cotton. And while they’re not usually harmful to humans, they can cause problems for homeowners by damaging possessions and spreading disease.

 What are silverfish?

 Silverfish (commonly known as fish moths, urban silverfish, and carpet sharks) are small, wingless insects usually found in moist areas. These silvery-grey critters are primarily nocturnal and are attracted to dark places in the home. Silverfish leave tiny black or brown spots behind as they move about, which means you may never see their bodies or be aware of them until you find their droppings.

Silverfish have long bodies and antennae and are similar in appearance to centipedes or firebrats. They can range from ¼ to ½ inch in length but have no wings or appendages that distinguish them from other pests. Their long antennae allow them to navigate through the narrowest openings and cracks easily.

Silverfish are nocturnal insects. Their abdomens taper at the end, giving them a fish-like appearance. The newly hatched are whitish but develop a greyish hue and metallic shine as they get older. They have two long cerci and one terminal filament at the tip of their abdomen between their cerci. They move in a wiggling motion that resembles the movement of a fish. This, coupled with their fish-like appearance, lends them their name.

 What do silverfish eat?

Silverfish enjoy living in humid areas and feed on carbohydrates, such as sugar or starch. They eat fabric and paper that contain starch, and they also eat glue, book bindings, cereal, coffee, dandruff, hair, carpet, photos, plaster, and sugar.

Silverfish can live for a year without food but only two weeks without water. They are commonly found in bathrooms because of the moisture from the shower or bathtub. Many people first discover silverfish in the bathtub or sink because they can’t climb out once they get inside.

 How can you get rid of silverfish?

Silverfish can live for a long time without eating (up to a whole year), so they can survive in your home for a while once they enter. The good news is that there are some things you can do to get rid of silverfish or keep them away from your house in the first place:

• Please find out how they got in your house in the first place. Silverfish need moisture and humidity to survive, so try to eliminate excess water (like dripping faucets or leaky pipes). If you have a basement, clean up any standing water there and use fans or a dehumidifier.
• Keep your house clean and clutter-free. The more clutter you have in your home, the more places for silverfish to hide out during the day. Cleaning up the excess mess will make it harder for them to find places where they feel safe.
• Ensure all food is stored correctly so that it doesn’t attract silverfish (or other pests). Make sure all dry goods like rice, flour, sugar, and cereal containers are sealed well enough that silverfish can’t get inside them quickly. Also, make sure you wipe down counters with bleach after cooking, so any crumbs don’t stay on the countertop overnight.
• Seal cracks and crevices. Silverfish can sneak into your home through tiny gaps around pipes, dryer vents, window frames, and more. Use caulk or expanding foam sealant to fill these gaps and keep them from getting in. Be sure to cover the exterior walls of your home and all areas inside where they might be entering.
• Contact an exterminator. If you have tried eliminating food sources and still notice silverfish, it’s time to speak with a pest control professional. They will be able to identify the specific type of silverfish invading your home and help you determine the best approach for getting rid of them. They will also be able to administer any necessary chemicals safely and appropriately so as not to cause damage to your family or pets.

The bottom line

Silverfish are commonly thought to indicate poor home maintenance, but this isn’t necessarily true. They can thrive in several environments, and they are often brought into homes on items such as seeds and dried flowers. In order to protect yourself from silverfish infestation, you must secure your home from potential entrances by checking for holes in your walls and behind pipes.