General Info
  • Silverfish are fast runners and feed on almost everything
  • They are wingless so they cannot fly
Where They Hide
  • Silverfish live in damp, cool places such as basements and bathrooms
  • They require high-humidity environments
  • They may also be found in bookcases or closet shelves and behind baseboards, windows, or doorframes
What They Want From You
  • They can eat stored food like cereals, but more often they just scavenge small crumbs
  • They also have been known to eat paper that has glue/paste on it, including book bindings and the stains in fabrics
  • They contaminate the food they chew on and stain objects they hide in
Why They’re A Problem
  • Silverfish can stain the objects they hide in like books, cardboard, wall papering, or stored clothing
  • Valuable items like paintings, old books, and documents may also be stained or damaged
Tips & Tricks

Follow these sanitation tips for effective silverfish control:

  • Eliminate any exposed food and moisture
  • Toss out old boxes and newspapers where silverfish like to hide
  • Inspect paper, cardboard, books, and wood that is brought into the home
  • Keep kitchen and bathroom floors, counters, and cupboards clean
  • If you notice silverfish in your basement, try running a dehumidifier to make the area less humid, and therefore less appealing

Size

Silverfish size bar

3/8 to 3/4 inch long

Color

The following bugs match your descriptions: