Have you ever flipped on a bathroom light at night and seen a silvery little bug scurry across the floor faster than you can blink? Or pulled a box of books or clothes from storage only to find mysterious damage? That’s a silverfish, and it's not paying rent. These pests may be small, but they are more destructive than you think. Left unchecked, they can chew through paper, clothing and even pantry goods.
To help keep silverfish away, we put together this blog outlining everything you need to know about identifying, eliminating and preventing them — using simple, DIY methods.
Why are Silverfish a Problem?
Silverfish have been around for millions of years, and their survival skills make them one of the frustrating pests to combat. They are small, wingless insects that thrive in dark, humid environments, and as mentioned earlier, they can cause a fair amount of damage.
They devour belongings: Silverfish feed on starches and sugars found in paper, clothing, glue, wallpaper and pantry goods.
They reproduce quietly and frequently: A single female can lay more than 100 eggs during her lifetime, often hidden in cracks and crevices.
They are hard to detect: Silverfish are nocturnal and fast, meaning that infestations often go unnoticed until damage appears.
While they don't harm humans, silverfish can destroy items throughout a home — making prevention and elimination essential.
Signs You May Have Silverfish
Before taking action, confirm the pest is indeed silverfish. Here are key signs to look out for:
- Small, silvery bugs about half an inch long, with teardrop-shaped bodies
- Yellowish stains or shed scales near baseboards or bookshelves
- Irregular holes in paper, fabric or wallpaper
- Frequent sightings in damp areas like bathrooms, basements or laundry rooms
- Droppings or pepper-like specks
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to act fast.
DIY Solutions for Silverfish
Bug & Weed Mart carries professional strength products designed for homeowners who want to tackle pests themselves. To get rid of silverfish, we recommend a two-part approach — treating both inside and outside works best. This combination helps stop silverfish before they enter and eliminates the ones already inside, giving you full coverage and peace of mind.
Outdoor DIY protection begins with granules
Apply insecticidal granules in a three- to four-foot band around the perimeter of your home. This creates a protective barrier that kills silverfish and other crawling insects before they can sneak inside. Use a hand or broadcast spreader for even coverage.
Next, use an exterior perimeter spray
Mix this liquid concentrate with water in a sprayer, then apply three to four feet up the exterior walls and three to four feet out from the foundation of your home. Be sure to spray around windows, doors and entry points.
Now, let’s move indoor to apply an interior spray
Interior sprays can be diluted and applied along baseboards, corners and other areas where silverfish creep inside.
Lastly, apply an insecticide dust around cracks, crevices, wall voids and other hiding spots. The dust reaches areas that sprays can’t, helping target where silverfish lay eggs and hide out of sight.
This combination of products provides a strong shield that prevents silverfish and many other insects from finding their way into your home. By targeting both visible areas and hidden crevices indoors, these products ensure silverfish have nowhere to hide. Bug & Weed Mart carries a variety of each product, so reach out to speak with one of our experienced team members to nail down the best brands and combinations for your situation.
Preventing Silverfish from Returning
Once silverfish are eliminated, prevention keeps them from coming back. A few simple steps can make a big difference:
Lower humidity: Use fans or dehumidifiers in bathrooms and basements, fix any leaks.
Declutter storage: Swap cardboard boxes out for sealed plastic bins, reduce piles of papers or magazines.
Clean regularly: Vacuum and dust often, especially in corners and storage areas.
Store food properly: Keep dry goods in airtight containers.
Seal cracks and gaps: Caulk around plumbing, windows and baseboards to remove hiding spots.
Adding these tasks to your routine home maintenance ensures that silverfish won't have an easy chance to return.
When Should You Ask for Help?
If an infestation is discovered, DIY solutions are effective for most silverfish problems. To get started (and to help save money and frustration), it is best to visit your local Bug & Weed Mart to speak with one of our in-house experts who can provide guidance and instructions that are easy to follow. Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the right mix of products and demonstrate how to apply them for the best results.
Saying Bye-Bye to Silverfish
Silverfish may be an ancient survivor, but that doesn't mean they belong in your home. With the right combination of outdoor barriers and indoor treatments, plus simple prevention steps, you can stop them in their tracks.
Fortunately, Bug & Weed Mart makes it easy to do your own pest control with professional-grade products and expert advice. Visit one of our Valley locations to take the first step towards a silverfish-free home.