Key Takeaways
- Silverfish thrive in dark, humid environments like basements and bathrooms.
- They feed on paper, clothing, cardboard, and pantry items.
- Sealing cracks and reducing humidity help prevent infestations.
- Natural repellents like cedar oil and diatomaceous earth deter silverfish.
- Traps and insecticides can be used for severe infestations.

What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects known for their fish-like shape and silvery-grey color. They measure about 0.5–0.75 inches long, with long antennae and three bristle-like appendages at the end of their bodies. These insects are nocturnal, meaning they hide during the day and come out at night to search for food.Silverfish Risks-Are Silverfish Harmful?
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They damage books, wallpaper, and important documents.
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Silverfish infestations can ruin fabrics and stored clothing.
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They can contaminate pantry goods like flour, cereal, and pasta.
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Large infestations may contribute to dust and allergens in the home.
Why Are Silverfish in Your Home?
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High Humidity and Moisture: Silverfish thrive in environments with high humidity (above 75%), especially in bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and kitchens.
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Food Sources: They feed on books, paper, wallpaper glue, fabrics, and pantry items like flour and cereal.
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Dark and Hidden Areas: Silverfish hide in closets, attics, under sinks, and behind bookshelves where they can remain undisturbed.
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Entry Points from the Outdoors: They can enter homes through foundation cracks, vents, and small gaps around windows and doors.

Common Indicators of Silverfish
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Seeing live silverfish, especially at night in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.
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Damaged paper, books, wallpaper, or clothing with small chew marks.
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Tiny black droppings near infested areas.
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Shed skins left behind as silverfish molt.
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A faint musty odor in heavily infested areas.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish

1. Reduce Humidity in Your Home
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Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
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Improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens with exhaust fans.
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Repair leaky pipes and fix water damage to reduce moisture levels.
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Store firewood and paper products off the ground in dry areas.
2. Declutter and Clean Regularly
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Vacuum carpets, corners, and baseboards frequently to remove food sources.
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Store books and important documents in sealed plastic containers.
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Avoid leaving clothes and towels in piles on the floor.
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Dispose of old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
3. Use Natural Silverfish Repellents
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Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – A natural powder that dehydrates and kills silverfish.
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Cedar Oil or Cedar Blocks – Silverfish dislike the scent of cedar, making it an effective deterrent.
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Bay Leaves – Placing bay leaves in bookshelves and storage areas helps repel silverfish.
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Lavender and Citrus Oils – Mix with water and spray in infested areas to deter pests.
4. Set Silverfish Traps
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Sticky Traps: Place along baseboards, under sinks, and in storage areas to catch silverfish.
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Jar Traps: Place a piece of bread inside a glass jar with tape wrapped around the outside. Silverfish climb in but cannot escape the smooth interior.
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Rolled Newspaper Trick: Roll up a damp newspaper and leave it overnight. Discard it in the morning with trapped silverfish inside.
5. Apply Chemical Silverfish Treatments
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Boric Acid – Sprinkle lightly in crevices and dark areas where silverfish are active.
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Insecticide Sprays – Use pyrethrin-based sprays for long-term control.
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Silverfish Baits – Commercial bait stations attract and eliminate silverfish.
6. Seal Entry Points and Cracks
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Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and pipes.
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Install weather stripping around doorways to keep pests out.
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Ensure attic vents and crawl spaces are properly screened.

Silverfish Prevention Tips
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Monitor with traps in problem areas to detect any returning silverfish.
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Maintain low humidity with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
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Store dry foods, clothes, and paper products in airtight containers.
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Vacuum and dust weekly to remove food particles and silverfish eggs.
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Inspect storage spaces, attics, and basements for signs of silverfish activity.
Signs You Need Professional Pest Control
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A large-scale infestation that is difficult to control on your own.
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Silverfish damaging valuable books, fabrics, or wallpaper.
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Home remedies and store-bought solutions failing to eliminate the problem.
