If you’ve ever been brushing your teeth, still half-asleep, and suddenly noticed a quick, creepy little bug darting across your bathroom floor like it owns the place, chances are you’ve just seen a silverfish. Those shiny, wriggly insects that look like a weird mix between a fish and a bug—because that’s exactly what they are. If you keep spotting these little critters around your home, you might have a silverfish problem. So what exactly does it mean when you find silverfish in your house? How do you identify them, why are they moving in, and most importantly, how do you get rid of them for good?
Silverfish are tiny, wingless insects that have been around for millions of years—literally prehistoric bugs. They’re about one and a half inches long, sometimes a bit smaller or bigger, with flat, carrot-shaped bodies covered in silvery scales on both sides. They have long antennae and move in a creepy, wiggly, snake-like way. If you’ve ever seen one, you know exactly what I mean. Don’t worry—they don’t fly, they don’t bite, and they’re not aggressive. But don’t be fooled—they’re not harmless either.
If you see silverfish in your home—in places like the bathroom, basement, kitchen, or laundry room—it means your house is providing everything they need to survive. Silverfish love high humidity and damp environments. They avoid sunlight, so you won’t find them hanging out in bright areas. Plus, they need access to starchy or sugary materials like paper, glue, cardboard, fabric, and crumbs. Yep, these bugs love carbs. They’ll happily munch on wallpaper glue, the bindings of your favorite books, old newspapers, and even dandruff. Sounds gross, but that’s their diet.
Are silverfish harmful? They don’t sting or carry diseases, so they’re not dangerous in that way. But if you ignore them, silverfish can cause serious damage. They’ll chew through books and paper, ruining glue and pages. They can damage clothing and linens, especially items that have been stored for a long time. Wallpaper is another target since they go after the glue. They’ll even get into pantry foods like flour, oats, and cereal. Worst of all, silverfish reproduce quickly. One or two silverfish can turn into a full-blown infestation within months, so yes, they definitely need to go.
How can you tell if you have a silverfish problem besides spotting one crawling across the floor? Look for yellow stains or tiny holes on paper or fabric. You might notice shed skins since silverfish molt and leave behind little shells. There could be little black droppings that look like pepper in dark corners. Also, watch for damage to wallpaper, especially along seams and corners. If you see any of these signs in a damp spot in your home, you’ve probably got silverfish.
So what’s the next step? Once you’ve confirmed you have silverfish, here’s how to get rid of them. First, dry out your home since silverfish can’t live in dry conditions. A dehumidifier is a great idea, especially in basements and bathrooms. Good ventilation and air circulation are essential too. Next, eliminate their food sources. Clear out piles of old paper, cardboard boxes, and books that might be stored in damp places. Store pantry foods in airtight containers and vacuum regularly, especially those hard-to-reach spots under furniture.
Sealing cracks and crevices where silverfish like to hide is also important. Use caulk to fill gaps along baseboards, around pipes, and in walls to make your home less inviting for them. Natural repellents can help as well. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth in problem areas works wonders; it’s a natural powder that damages their exoskeletons. Boric acid powder is effective too but be careful around kids and pets. Scents like lavender, citrus, and cedarwood may repel silverfish—not a guarantee, but at least your house will smell nicer during the battle.
You can even trap silverfish using a simple homemade trap. Wrap a jar in masking tape so they can climb inside, place a piece of bread at the bottom, and they’ll crawl in but won’t be able to escape. If you notice silverfish frequently during the day (they’re usually nocturnal), it might be time to call professional pest control. They can assess the infestation and treat it thoroughly.
After you get rid of them, preventing a return is crucial. Use moisture absorbers like DampRid in closets and under sinks. Keep paper products and clothing in plastic bags. Don’t pile up clothes, cardboard, or food crumbs. Maintain a dry, clean, clutter-free home. Simply put, if your home is dry and boring, silverfish won’t want to stick around.
Finding silverfish in your home is definitely gross but not uncommon. These little survivors are drawn to moisture and carbs. They’re not dangerous in a biting way, but they’re a nuisance you don’t want making your house their home. The good news? You can handle it. Identify them, clean up, dry out your space, and take steps to keep them away. With some effort and patience, you can keep your home silverfish-free. Trust me—I’ve been there, and I know what I’m talking about.
