What Are Silverfish & Why Are They in My House?

If you’ve ever turned on the bathroom light at night and seen a small, silvery insect dart across the floor, chances are you’ve encountered a silverfish.

These fast-moving pests may look alarming, but they’re more of a nuisance than a threat. Still, they can damage books, paper, and pantry goods if left unchecked.

Understanding what attracts silverfish and how to keep them from entering your home can help you get rid of and prevent these creepy crawlers.

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish are easy to identify once you know what to look for. They have a slender, carrot-shaped body that tapers at the end and is covered in silvery scales, giving them a metallic sheen.

Adult silverfish measure about a half-inch long and move quickly, often wriggling in a fish-like manner. Their long antennae and three bristle-like tails make them even more distinctive.

Where Do Silverfish Hide?

Silverfish prefer dark, damp environments, which is why they’re often found in places like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.

They squeeze into cracks and crevices, nestle under boxes, or settle near leaky pipes and drains. Silverfish thrive in humidity, so areas with poor ventilation are especially attractive.

3 Reasons Silverfish Are in Your Home

If you’re seeing silverfish indoors, it usually means your home offers the moisture and food they need. There are a few reasons they might appear:

• High humidity: Silverfish require moisture to survive, so humid basements, bathrooms, and laundry areas are ideal habitats.
• Cracks in foundation or siding: Gaps in your home’s exterior provide easy entry points for silverfish looking for shelter.
• Starchy or cellulose-rich materials: Silverfish feed on cardboard, paper, books, wallpaper glue, and even pantry staples like flour or cereal. Having these items accessible makes your home a food source.

Tips to Prevent Silverfish

While silverfish aren’t harmful to people, their presence is unpleasant—and they can cause damage over time. Taking steps to make your home less inviting can help keep them away.

Use a Dehumidifier

Lowering indoor humidity creates an environment where silverfish can’t thrive. Place dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces, or other damp areas to reduce excess moisture.

Seal Cracks & Crevices

Blocking potential entry points helps keep silverfish outside where they belong. Use caulk or weatherproofing materials to seal cracks in foundations, around pipes, and along windows and doors.

Store Paper Goods & Pantry Items Securely

Silverfish often find their way to cardboard boxes, old books, and stored food. Keep dry goods in sealed plastic or glass containers and avoid storing paper items in damp basements or attics.

Request Silverfish Control From Home Paramount Pest Control

Silverfish may be mostly harmless, as they don’t bite or spread disease, but infestations can grow quickly if conditions allow. Professional pest control is the most reliable way to keep them under control.

At Home Paramount Pest Control, We Don’t Like Bugs Either, which is why we provide inspections and tailored treatment plans. Our certified team can help you get silverfish and other pests under control safely and effectively.

Don’t let silverfish take over your home—schedule your free pest inspection with Home Paramount Pest Control today.