Silverfish facts and identification

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, fast-moving insects that look like tiny fish. They do not bite or spread disease, but they can damage books, papers, and fabrics.

Silverfish identification

Silverfish are tiny, silvery insects that move quickly and hide in dark, damp places and are most active at night.

Signs of a silverfish infestation

Since silverfish are nocturnal, they hide during the day. This makes them hard to spot, but there are signs to look for. Silverfish chew on paper products, book bindings, wallpaper, and fabrics. If you notice tiny holes or ragged edges on these items, silverfish may be the cause.

They also shed their skin as they grow, so you might find tiny, clear skins near their hiding spots. Their droppings look like small black pepper flakes. If you see silverfish darting across the floor, it likely means more are hiding nearby.

Habitat, diet, life cycle and behaviors

Silverfish live in damp places, feed on starchy materials, and grow through constant molting, making them long-lasting household pests.

Where do silverfish live?

Silverfish like humid areas where it is dark and damp. They hide in basements, attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and under sinks. They also squeeze into crevices behind walls or under floors. Homes with too much moisture are more likely to have a silverfish problem.

What do silverfish eat?

Silverfish eat starch, carbohydrates, and things made of cellulose. They chew on paper, glue, and book bindings. They also eat dead insects, fabrics, and some food crumbs. Even though they eat a lot of different things, they can survive for weeks without food.

Life cycle of silverfish

A female silverfish lays eggs in hidden cracks or crevices. The eggs hatch into tiny silverfish that look like smaller versions of adult silverfish. They grow by shedding their skin, a process called molting. Silverfish keep molting even after they reach adulthood.

Silverfish behaviors

Silverfish are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. They move fast and wiggle like fish, which is how they got their name. They avoid light and hide in warm, dark places. Silverfish can live a long time—up to eight years. They are also known to attract centipedes, earwigs, and other pests that feed on them.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. However, they are nuisance pests because they damage books, papers, clothes, and wallpaper. If left untreated, a silverfish infestation can ruin important items in your home.

How to get rid of silverfish

To get rid of silverfish, start by cleaning your home thoroughly. Silverfish like dark, damp places, so it's important to vacuum and wipe down areas where they hide, like basements, attics, and bathrooms. 

You can use traps to catch them or sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where you’ve seen them. This natural powder damages their outer skin, causing them to dry out and die. If the problem is large, consider contacting Ehrlich for our insect control professional to help eliminate the infestation.

Silverfish prevention tips

To prevent silverfish from coming back, keep your home dry. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and windows to keep them out. It’s important to store food in sealed containers, as silverfish are attracted to grains and starches. Regularly clean and inspect your home, especially areas where silverfish are known to live.

Need help with insect pest control?

If silverfish keep coming back, our pest control experts can help. They can find where the silverfish are hiding, treat the problem, and stop it from happening again.

Other insects

For more information on insects and how to handle them, check out our insect information guide.

Frequently asked questions