Despite their creepy appearance, silverfish aren't known to bite or carry any pathogens that cause disease.
What is a Silverfish?
So you go to pour a late-night bowl of cereal, when a bizarre insect comes flying out of the box. It has antennae and fast-moving legs, and is enough to make you scream and run from the kitchen. It’s not a consolation cereal prize, but is likely a silverfish.
A primitive, wingless insect, silverfish love dark spaces where they can gorge on sugar and organic materials like cardboard, the perfect combination readily available in a cereal box. But you’ll find silverfish in other places throughout your home. The fact is, silverfish could be hiding in your attic or under your sink right now. Learn how to identify and get rid of silverfish to keep your home safe from their destructive eating habits.
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What is a Silverfish?
Silverfish are ancient, shiny gray or silver insects that are thought to be among the oldest in the world. Measuring anywhere from one-half inch to one inch long, they’re wingless creatures that shed their skins throughout their adult lives.
Despite their creepy appearance, silverfish aren’t known to bite or carry any pathogens that cause disease. But while they’re not harmful to human or animal health, they can wreak havoc on your home. “Silverfish are found in dark, damp quiet parts of the home,” says Danielle Restuccia, Division Technical Services Manager for Orkin’s Northeast Division. “They’re most commonly spotted in basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, garages and storage areas like closets.”
Most active at night, these insects come flying out of that book you pick off the shelf for a bedtime read, that box of cereal you’re craving, or out of a drawer in your bathroom as you reach for the toothpaste.
Those silverfish are snacking on sugars and carbohydrates when you disturb them, chowing down on cereal, books, wallpaper, insulation, tissue, newspaper, cardboard and clothing. It’s unsettling and also a damaging because silverfish can put holes in your favorite things.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish
To keep your belongings safe from these creatures, you’ll want to limit their food sources by keeping dry goods in airtight containers and vacuuming the floor and upholstery regularly.
Other helpful precautions include making sure the outside of your house and any open areas like gaps between walls and ceilings are caulked, well-painted and properly sealed. Dehumidifiers in damp areas can also help remove the moisture that silverfish enjoy.
Whether silverfish, cockroaches or something else, if you’ve got some unwanted visitors at your house, here’s the ultimate guide to dealing with ants, mice and other pests.
About the Expert
Danielle Restuccia is Division Technical Services Manager for Orkin’s Northeast Division.
