What causes silverfish in the house?

"I keep finding silverfish in my home. Why are they here?"

Silverfish usually show up indoors because the conditions inside your home suit them. These silver insects are drawn to moisture, darkness, and certain everyday materials we often don’t think about as pest attractants.

• Humidity - One of the biggest causes of these silver insects in the house is excess humidity. Silverfish thrive in damp environments, which is why they’re commonly found in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Leaky pipes, poor ventilation, or areas that stay humid year-round can make your home appealing to them.
• Food sources also play a role. Silverfish feed on sugars and starches, which can include paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and even some fabrics. That’s why they’re often found near stored books, boxes, closets, or pantries. Even small amounts of these materials can sustain them.
• Clutter and hiding spots make a difference too. Silverfish prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they can stay hidden during the day. Stacks of paper, stored boxes, and rarely used spaces give them plenty of places to shelter and lay eggs.
• Entry points allow silverfish to move indoors. Cracks around doors, gaps near plumbing, and foundation openings can all give them access, especially during hot or humid weather when they’re searching for better conditions.

Reducing humidity and decluttering can help limit silverfish activity, but these steps don’t always solve the problem. Silverfish are good at staying hidden, and infestations can persist even when sightings seem minor. If silverfish keep appearing, your local Ehrlich team is ready to help.