You’re brushing your teeth, still half-asleep, when something small and shiny scurries across the bathroom floor like it pays the rent. Disgusting, right? If you’re noticing these little creatures more often, there’s a good chance you have a silverfish infestation. Those sleek, silvery bugs that seem part fish and part insect? That’s exactly what they are.
So what does it mean when silverfish are turning up in your home? How can you spot them, why are they showing up, and most importantly, what can you do to get rid of them once and for all?
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that have existed for millions of years—literally ancient survivors. They’re typically about an inch and a half long, sometimes a little smaller or bigger. Their bodies are flat, tapering toward the tail like a carrot, and covered in metallic-looking scales. With their long antennae and odd, wiggling movements, they almost seem to slither rather than crawl. If you’ve ever seen one, you know exactly how unsettling they look.
While silverfish don’t fly or bite, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
Why Do Silverfish Invade Homes?
If you’ve noticed silverfish in areas like your bathroom, basement, kitchen, or laundry room, it’s because your home has become an ideal environment for them. They’re attracted to:
- High humidity – They thrive in damp, moist spaces.
- Darkness – They avoid light and prefer hiding in shadows.
- Starchy or sugary materials – They feed on things like paper, glue, cardboard, fabric, and even crumbs.
Essentially, these critters love carbohydrates. They’ll nibble on wallpaper paste, the bindings of books, old newspapers, and even flakes of skin or hair.
Are Silverfish Dangerous?
They won’t sting, bite, or spread disease, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Over time, a silverfish infestation can cause real damage. They’re known to attack:
- Books and paper – Eating through pages, glue, and bindings.
- Clothing and linens – Particularly items that are stored for long periods.
- Wallpaper – They love the adhesive behind it.
- Dry foods – Pantry staples like cereal, oats, and flour.
To make matters worse, silverfish multiply quickly. What starts as a small problem can turn into a serious infestation within months, so it’s important to act fast.
How to Know You Have Silverfish
Besides seeing one scuttle across the floor, you might notice:
- Small yellow stains or holes in paper or fabrics.
- Shed skin left behind from molting.
- Tiny black droppings, especially in dark corners.
- Peeling or damaged wallpaper, particularly along edges or seams.
If you see any of these clues, especially in damp parts of your home, you’re probably dealing with silverfish.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
Here’s a complete approach to removing them:
1. Dry Out Damp Spaces
Silverfish can’t survive in dry conditions. Use a dehumidifier in rooms like bathrooms, basements, and laundry areas. Keep air circulating with fans or open windows whenever possible.
2. Remove Their Food Sources
Eliminate stacks of old paper, cardboard, and books. Store food in sealed containers. Vacuum regularly, especially along baseboards, corners, and hidden spaces.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Use caulk to fill cracks along walls, pipes, and baseboards. Silverfish often hide in small crevices, so sealing these areas will limit their hiding spots.
4. Try Natural Repellents
Diatomaceous earth works well—it’s a natural powder that damages their exoskeletons. You can also use boric acid (with caution around kids and pets). Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, and citrus repel them too and make your home smell fresh.
5. Set Traps
You can trap silverfish using a glass jar wrapped in tape with a small piece of bread inside. They’ll climb in easily but won’t be able to escape.
6. Call a Professional
If you’re seeing silverfish regularly or during the day, it may be time to call pest control. Professionals can assess how widespread the problem is and eliminate it safely.
Preventing Silverfish from Coming Back
Once they’re gone, you’ll want to keep them away for good:
- Use moisture absorbers like DampRid in closets and under sinks.
- Store important papers, books, and clothing in sealed plastic bins.
- Keep clutter to a minimum—no piles of cardboard, clothes, or crumbs.
- Maintain a dry, well-ventilated home.
In short, silverfish hate dryness and cleanliness. The less inviting your space is, the less likely they’ll stick around.
Final Thoughts
Finding silverfish in your home is unsettling, but it’s more common than you think. They’re survivors drawn to moisture and carbs, and while they don’t pose health risks, they can be a real nuisance.
The good news? With consistent cleaning, dehumidifying, and preventative care, you can kick them out and keep them from returning. Stay consistent, stay dry—and you’ll win the fight against these shiny little intruders. Trust me, I’ve been there.