What are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects known for their silvery-gray color and quick, fish-like movements. They have elongated, flattened bodies with long antennae and three bristle-like tails at the end of their abdomen. Silverfish thrive in dark, damp, and humid areas such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. They are nocturnal and feed on starchy materials like paper, books, cardboard, glue, and certain fabrics, which makes them a destructive pest inside homes and businesses.

Signs of Silverfish Infestation

You may have a silverfish problem if you notice:

• Small, silvery insects moving quickly across floors, walls, or sinks at night
• Yellow stains, scales, or droppings left behind near infested areas
• Damage to paper, wallpaper, books, or cardboard with irregular holes or notches
• Fabric damage, especially to clothing made of cotton, silk, or linen
• Increased activity in damp spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements

Why They are a Problem

Silverfish are not dangerous to people, as they do not bite or spread disease, but they can cause significant property damage. Their feeding habits can destroy books, important documents, wallpaper, and stored clothing. In commercial environments such as libraries, offices, and storage facilities, silverfish infestations can lead to costly damage. Their rapid movements and nocturnal activity also make them unsettling to encounter indoors.

Where Do They Come From?

Silverfish prefer environments with high humidity and are often attracted to buildings that provide moisture, food, and shelter. Common sources and entry points include:

• Cracks in foundations, walls, and windows
• Boxes, books, or old papers brought into the home
• Damp basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens
• Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and poor ventilation creating high humidity
• Storage areas with cardboard boxes and fabric materials

How to Get Rid of Silverfish at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of silverfish, here are some practical steps you can try:

• Reduce humidity levels with dehumidifiers or improved ventilation
• Repair leaky pipes, faucets, or roof areas contributing to moisture
• Store clothing, books, and papers in sealed plastic containers
• Vacuum regularly to remove eggs, scales, and food sources
• Place sticky traps in areas where silverfish activity is noticed
• Use natural repellents such as cedar oil or diatomaceous earth around entry points

These methods can help manage silverfish populations, but eliminating them completely often requires professional pest control, especially in severe infestations.

Silverfish vs Firebrats

Silverfish are often mistaken for firebrats, another small insect with similar habits. The differences include:

• Silverfish are silver or gray, while firebrats are mottled brown or gray
• Firebrats prefer hotter, dryer areas like around ovens or boilers, while silverfish thrive in damp and humid spaces
• Both feed on starchy materials, but firebrats are less common indoors than silverfish

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide effective solutions for silverfish infestations. Our team identifies areas of high activity, applies safe and targeted treatments, and implements long-term prevention strategies to reduce humidity and eliminate attractants. Whether in a home, office, or storage facility, our professional services protect your property from damage and restore a pest-free environment.