How To Get Rid Of Silverfish From Your Home: A Complete, Practical Guide

Finding a silverfish in your home can be unsettling. These small, fast-moving insects seem to appear out of nowhere—darting across bathroom floors, hiding in bookshelves, or slipping behind baseboards before you can get a good look at them.

While silverfish don’t bite and aren’t dangerous to humans, they can damage household items and are a sign of excess moisture in your home. Left untreated, a small silverfish problem can quietly grow into a persistent infestation.

This guide explains everything you need to know:

What silverfish are
Why they invade homes
Where they hide
How to get rid of them effectively
How to prevent them from coming back

Let’s take control of the problem—step by step.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects named for their:

Silvery-gray color
Fish-like, wiggling movement

They typically measure:

About ½ to 1 inch long

Silverfish have:

Flat, teardrop-shaped bodies
Long antennae
Three tail-like appendages

They are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet environments.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

The good news: silverfish are not harmful to people.

They:

Do not bite
Do not sting
Do not spread disease

However, they can cause damage by feeding on:

Paper and books
Wallpaper glue
Cardboard
Clothing (especially natural fibers)
Stored food like flour, cereal, and sugar

Their presence also often signals a moisture problem in your home.

Why Do Silverfish Invade Homes?

Silverfish are attracted to three main things:

1. Moisture

They thrive in damp environments with high humidity.

Common problem areas:

Bathrooms
Basements
Laundry rooms
Kitchens

2. Food Sources

Silverfish eat starchy materials, including:

Paper
Glue
Fabric
Crumbs and food residue

3. Shelter

They hide in:

Cracks and crevices
Behind baseboards
Under sinks
Inside books and boxes

If your home offers moisture, food, and shelter, silverfish will move in.

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