Silverfish are small, silvery, wingless insects that often startle homeowners by darting across floors, especially in bathrooms or basements. Though they’ve existed for millions of years, their presence in modern homes is still unwelcome. These bugs measure around 1½ inches, have flat, carrot-shaped bodies, long antennae, and move in a distinctive wriggling motion. While they don’t bite or fly, silverfish can still be destructive.

They invade homes that offer three key things: moisture, darkness, and carbohydrates. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms are common hotspots because they’re humid and dim. Silverfish feed on a variety of starchy or sugary materials—such as paper, glue, cardboard, fabrics, crumbs, and even dandruff. That makes stored clothes, books, wallpaper glue, and pantry staples potential targets.

Though not dangerous to humans, silverfish can cause significant damage to household items. They can ruin books, clothing, wallpaper, and dry food items. Worse, they breed quickly, turning a few bugs into a full infestation if left unchecked.

Signs of an infestation include actually spotting the bugs, as well as yellow stains or holes in paper and fabrics, shed skins from molting, small black droppings, and damage to wallpaper seams. These indicators usually appear in damp, dark spaces.

To eliminate silverfish, start by reducing humidity using dehumidifiers and improving airflow. Remove their food sources—clean regularly, store items in airtight containers, and declutter damp areas. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk to limit hiding spots. Natural repellents like diatomaceous earth or essential oils can help, and simple traps can catch them. For larger infestations, call pest control professionals.

Preventing their return involves ongoing moisture control, careful storage of materials, and regular cleaning. A dry, clean, and well-organized home is the best defense against silverfish settling in again.