These insects feed on materials containing starches and sugars, including paper, cardboard, glue, wallpaper paste, books, and some fabrics. Seeing an occasional silverfish may not indicate a major problem, but repeated sightings can mean that moisture, food, and suitable hiding places are allowing them to survive and reproduce inside the home.
Reducing humidity is one of the most important ways to control them. Fix leaking pipes, improve ventilation in bathrooms and basements, vacuum regularly, remove unnecessary cardboard and paper, and store valuable books, documents, and clothing in sealed containers. Cracks around baseboards, windows, doors, and plumbing can also be sealed to reduce hiding places, while sticky traps can help identify where the insects are most active.
Finding silverfish doesn’t necessarily mean a home is dirty or unsafe—they are mainly attracted to moisture and shelter. However, repeated sightings shouldn’t be ignored because a small population can become a larger nuisance and potentially damage belongings. If reducing moisture and removing hiding places doesn’t solve the problem, professional pest control may be necessary to locate and treat the source of the infestation.
