Silverfish 101

You see them from the corner of your eye. They are long and almost slither like a snake across your wall but unlike a snake…they have legs. And not just legs but A LOT of legs. That’s the moment your brain makes the connection—Hello, silverfish.

For whatever reason these slippery insects are one of those creepy crawlers that just rubs most folks the wrong way. While people may put off calling us for ants, mosquitos, or other more tolerable critters, silverfish usually earn a very speedy call to our Kapture team. We’re breaking down what you need to know about silverfish, including how to prevent them from moving in.

We’ll assume you mean other than creepy! These shiny pests are actually rather harmless, primitive bugs that have been around for (almost) forever. Silverfish are one of the oldest insects on earth and are actually older than dinosaurs.

As with any living thing that has survived this long, they’re highly resilient and adaptable. This is why we get so many calls about them during the colder months of the year. Most homeowners expect all the bugs to be on hiatus until the warmer months return, but they are the obvious exception to this notion.

These bugs are tough. They can survive all winter long and hardly encounter a temperature they can’t tolerate. They do however need humidity to thrive and multiply. This is why most people find silverfish living in places like attics, basements and crawl spaces. These places stay cold, humid and dark all year round and make perfect suburbs for their little families.

Silverfish eat mostly starch. It’s possible that a few million years ago they would have survived on potatoes, other starchy vegetables and plants, but today they typically dine on paper. They often will feast on old books, magazines, and newspapers and will even eat through your wallpaper if it’s old enough to have been made of real paper!

Their diet can complicate pest control and prevention plans because you cannot just remove their food sources—many necessary household items contain starch.

As an insect species, they are not dangerous. They do not bite, sting or have any form of poison that can affect us or our pets. However, they can and often do spread diseases.

These bugs are ancient and are not susceptible to thousands of bacteria and viruses like we are as they creep and crawl through all sorts of nasty places. If you see one in or near your kitchen you should call pest control experts immediately. If they are getting into any of your food (many of which contain their favorite food source—starch—they could be contaminating everything they touch.

Even if they aren’t seen in the kitchen it could be a good idea to have the home treated if they are often seen. If they are breeding in a crawlspace or attic it’s only a matter of time before they venture into the rest of your home looking for other food sources.

Prevention is tricky. If you do not have an issue, you likely won’t need to do anything to prevent them until you encounter a reason to start.

However, if you have a silverfish problem or have in the past, prevention is simple enough.

These insects thrive in damp environments, so moisture control is key.

• Fix leaks in pipes, faucets, and roofs.
• Use dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Improve ventilation in high-humidity areas, especially attics and crawl spaces.
• Run exhaust fans after showers or cooking.

Keep them out of your home by removing easy entry spots.

• Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and the foundation of your house.
• Install weather stripping on windows and doors.
• Use caulk around pipes and utility entry points.

They have a sweet tooth and LOVE starchy carbohydrates.

• Store food in airtight containers— including flour, cereal, and pet food.
• Avoid leaving crumbs or spills and clean regularly.
• Declutter paper products like newspapers, magazines, and cardboard.
• Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes.

Regular cleaning helps discourage silverfish activity.

• Vacuum frequently, especially along baseboards, behind furniture, and in corners.
• Dust regularly—they feed on dead skin cells and dust mites.
• Remove clutter where these slick little suckers might hide, especially in storage areas.

If you suspect a few are already in the home, these might do the trick.

• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food grade) in problem areas.
• Cedar shavings or sachets repel silverfish naturally. Place them in drawers and on shelves.
• Sticky traps placed along walls can help to monitor and reduce population.

Seal any cracks and entry points to your home as much as possible and give us a call to schedule regular treatment. A simple spray of professional pesticide in the common problem areas can eliminate them quickly and prevent their return for months at a time.

Silverfish are ancient creepy looking critters that are highly resilient. That might seem like it would help them to survive, but unlike cockroaches or more modern creatures, these insects are pretty simple when it comes to intelligence. So if you sight these shiny, wiggly, dinosaur bugs—fear not. Our treatment is instant and long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy your home in peace.

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