Silverfish are nocturnal, moisture-loving insects named for their silvery color and fish-like wriggle. They thrive in humid, dark areas — bathrooms, basements, attics, and storage boxes — and feed on starches in paper, cardboard, glue, and fabric.
They reproduce slowly but live for years, so populations build quietly. Control combines treatment with moisture reduction.
How to identify
- Silvery-gray, teardrop-shaped, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch
- Three long bristles at the rear; fish-like movement
- Active at night, hiding in damp dark places
Signs of an infestation
- Irregular holes or yellow stains on paper and fabric
- Tiny pepper-like droppings in storage areas
- Shed skins in bathrooms, basements, and boxes
Risks & concerns
- Damage books, photos, wallpaper, and clothing
- Contaminate stored pantry goods
How we treat silverfish
We perform a thorough treatment to both the interior and exterior of your home. We also highly recommend treating the attic appropriately and dehumidification and storage changes to remove the conditions silverfish depend on.
Frequently asked questions
Silverfish are entirely moisture-driven, so lasting control means treating harborage areas and reducing humidity — a dehumidifier in basements or bathrooms, better ventilation, and sealing entry points — alongside professional treatment.
No — silverfish don’t bite or spread disease, but they damage paper, books, wallpaper, and natural-fiber clothing, and their presence usually signals a humidity problem worth addressing.
Silverfish seek out dark, humid environments, which is exactly what an unventilated bathroom, basement, or closet provides. Reducing moisture in those areas is often the single biggest factor in getting rid of them.
Silverfish control
Get rid of silverfish for good
Call or text to find the best solution for your pest problem. Appointments are typically available within 24 hours.