If you’ve ever seen a small, silvery bug dart across your bathroom floor, you’ve probably met a silverfish. These prehistoric, wingless insects—about 1½ inches long—move with a wiggly, fish-like motion. They don’t bite or spread disease, but they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Why They Invade
Silverfish love moisture, darkness, and carbohydrates. Bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms provide perfect conditions. They feed on paper, glue, cardboard, fabric, crumbs, even dandruff—any starchy or sugary material.
Signs of Infestation
You may notice yellow stains, small holes in paper or fabric, shed skins, tiny black droppings, or wallpaper damage, especially in damp corners.
How to Eliminate Them
Reduce humidity: Use dehumidifiers and increase airflow.
Remove food sources: Store dry goods in sealed containers, discard damp papers, and vacuum regularly.
Seal entry points: Caulk gaps near pipes, baseboards, and walls.
Use repellents: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or boric acid in problem areas, or try essential oils like lavender or cedarwood.
Set traps: A jar with masking tape and bread lures them in—then traps them.
Call professionals: If you see many silverfish during the day, an exterminator can help.
Prevention
Keep your home dry, clean, and clutter-free. Store paper and clothing in airtight bags, and use moisture absorbers under sinks or in closets.
Silverfish are persistent, but with dryness, cleanliness, and vigilance, you can reclaim your home from these sneaky survivors.