How to Control Silverfish

The silverfish is one of the oldest insects on Earth, a small, wingless household pest recognized by its metallic silver colour and fish-like movement. This common silver fish bug is found in homes worldwide and is known for thriving in dark, warm, and humid environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and storage areas. Silverfish are nocturnal insects that usually hide during the day in cracks, crevices, behind wallpaper, and inside old boxes or stacks of paper. Although they are harmless to humans and do not bite or spread diseases, they can still become a frustrating household nuisance.

Silverfish feed on starchy materials and organic substances including paper, glue, cardboard, wallpaper paste, fabrics, cereals, and dry food products. Because of their feeding habits, they can damage books, important documents, photographs, clothing, and wallpaper over time. Common signs of a silverfish infestation include yellow stains, tiny holes in paper or fabrics, shed skins, and spotting the insects moving quickly across floors or walls at night. Homes with excess moisture or poor ventilation are more likely to attract silverfish infestations.