Silverfish are small, silvery pests that thrive in dark, damp environments. While they don’t pose a direct health threat, they can damage books, clothing, and wallpaper as they feed on starches and adhesives. Knowing how to remove silverfish and prevent them from returning will help keep your home pest-free.
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are fast-moving, wingless insects with a distinct, metallic sheen and fish-like movements. These nocturnal pests prefer warm, humid areas like:
✔ Bathrooms – They hide in cabinets and around plumbing.
✔ Basements – Dark, damp spaces provide ideal conditions.
✔ Attics & Closets – Silverfish feed on stored papers, fabric, and cardboard.
Silverfish are drawn indoors for a few key reasons:
✔ Moisture: They need high humidity levels to survive.
✔ Food Sources: They consume paper, glue, dry goods, and even fabrics.
✔ Shelter: They hide in cracks, behind baseboards, and in cluttered spaces.
While silverfish don’t bite or spread diseases, they can cause damage by:
✔ Ruining Books & Paper Products: They eat glue bindings and wallpaper paste.
✔ Destroying Clothing & Fabrics: Silverfish feed on cotton, linen, and synthetic materials.
✔ Attracting Other Pests: Their presence can lure spiders and centipedes.
If silverfish have taken over, follow these steps to eliminate them:
✔ Use a dehumidifier in damp areas.
✔ Improve air circulation in basements and bathrooms.
✔ Fix leaks and ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
✔ Store books and documents in airtight containers.
✔ Keep dry foods like cereal and flour in sealed jars.
✔ Remove cardboard boxes and unnecessary paper clutter.
✔ Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around windows.
✔ Use caulk to close small openings where silverfish hide.
✔ Install tight-fitting screens on vents and windows.
✔ Sticky Traps: These can help monitor and reduce infestations.
✔ Boric Acid: A natural remedy that dehydrates and kills silverfish.
✔ Diatomaceous Earth: A powder that damages their exoskeleton and eliminates them over time.
Once you’ve eliminated silverfish, keep them out by:
✔ Keeping humidity levels below 50%.
✔ Vacuuming regularly to remove food particles and eggs.
✔ Using essential oils like lavender or cedar to repel them.
Silverfish can be persistent, and DIY methods may not always work. Mosquito Hunters offers expert pest control services to eliminate silverfish infestations and prevent them from returning.
✔ Fast, Reliable, & Effective Treatments
✔ Satisfaction Guaranteed
Protect your home—contact Mosquito Hunters today for a free consultation!
If you are not happy with your service, just call us in between treatments and we will re-treat your property free of charge. For any reason. Period. We guarantee it.
Did you know we also do holiday lighting? Humbug Holiday Lighting is locally owned and operated by Mosquito Hunters.
Learn More
This will close in 0 seconds
Laura M.
Jim B.
