How to Control Silverfish in Your Home (2024) [Video]

Silverfish are a common household pest that damage books, papers, cardboard, photos, and other items in your home. While they don’t bite or spread disease, getting rid of silverfish is important to protect your belongings. This guide provides tips for controlling these creepy crawlies with less-toxic methods to keep you and your home safe.

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects that get their name from their silvery, fish-like appearance and rapid movements. They measure about 1/2-inch to 1-inch long when grown and have long antennae and three tail-like appendages.

Silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on starchy foods like paper, glue, carpet fibers, and starches in clothing. They come out at night to search for food and moisture, including high humidity levels. An infestation may indicate you need to address leak or condensation issues.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Working as a pest control technician for one of the country’s largest national …