Silverfish can eat just about anything starchy in your home. They feed at night, so you often spot damage before you see the bugs themselves.
I’m a registered technician with four years in the industry. Our family business has served the DMV for over 50 years. I’ve seen silverfish cause real damage to books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Silverfish Diet Basics
Silverfish are wingless insects that molt throughout their lives and can live two to four years. They hide in damp spots like basements and attics during the day and feed at night.
They can survive more than 300 days without food if water is available. Females lay up to 100 eggs in cracks and crevices.
What Silverfish Eat in Your Home
Silverfish eat mostly starchy items but switch to protein when it’s warmer. They scrape surfaces rather than chew clean holes, leaving ragged edges on whatever they eat.
Starchy Materials
Silverfish thrive on starch in wallpaper paste and book bindings. They can digest cellulose thanks to special enzymes in their gut. You’ll see notched pages and yellow stains on walls and books.
Natural Fibers
Silverfish eat linen, cotton, silk blends, and rayon. They especially like starched clothing. Damage shows up as surface scratches rather than holes. For more, see our article on four-lined silverfish.
Protein Sources
At higher temps, silverfish seek out protein. They eat dead insects, pet food, and even dandruff. Pantry items like cereal and flour also attract them.
Signs of Silverfish Feeding Damage
Catching silverfish damage early helps you act fast. Knowing what to look for is key.
Scraping Patterns on Paper and Cardboard
Look for ragged edges on books, photos, and boxes. The damage is uneven, not clean cuts. Notched pages are a clear sign.
Frass, Scales, and Other Evidence
You might spot pepper-like droppings or shiny scale dust under furniture. Tiny fecal pellets near cracks point to an active problem. Sticky traps help confirm.
How to Identify Silverfish
Seeing a quick, fish-like insect at night usually means silverfish. Our silverfish guide has more ID tips.
Body Shape
Silverfish have a flat, carrot-shaped body and three tail bristles. They move in a wiggling, light-avoiding way. Adults reach up to 19 mm long.
Silverfish vs Firebrats
Silverfish are silvery-gray. Firebrats are brown and mottled. Silverfish like cooler, damp spots. Firebrats prefer warmer rooms near furnaces and water heaters. Knowing the difference prevents misidentification.
Prevention and Control
Stop silverfish by cutting off food and fixing moisture. Lower humidity and seal cracks to reduce hiding spots.
Keep books and boxes off damp floors. Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard.
DIY Steps
- Use dehumidifiers to keep air under 50% humidity
- Store dry goods and valuables in sealed containers
- Clean spilled flour and crumbs right away
- Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices
- Place sticky traps to monitor activity
When to Call a Professional
If damage spreads or you spot many silverfish, call a registered technician. Professional treatment uses EPA-approved products and targets cracks where silverfish hide. A pro can also find the moisture issues driving the problem.
Our Approach
Our technicians start with a 78-point inspection to find silverfish hot spots. We use low-impact products and have removed nine harsh chemicals from our lineup. Plans include free callbacks until the problem is solved.
Family-owned for over 50 years, we combine local knowledge with solid research. No binding contracts. Cancel with 30 days’ notice.
If silverfish are eating through your belongings, call us at 703-683-2000 or email info@bettertermite.com for an estimate.
