Silent Destroyers of Paper, Fabric & More
Silverfish are small, fast-moving insects that thrive in dark, damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and storage areas. While they don’t bite or spread disease, they can damage a wide range of items—from books and wallpaper to clothing and dry goods. Their quiet nature often means they go unnoticed until signs of damage appear. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we identify silverfish infestations, eliminate them at the source, and implement long-term prevention strategies to protect your home or business.
Common Types of Silverfish
Several species fall under the silverfish category, but only a few are typically found indoors:
Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)
- Appearance: Silvery-gray with a metallic sheen and fish-like movement
- Habitat: Found in bathrooms, kitchens, closets, and attics
- Diet: Paper, wallpaper glue, cardboard, fabrics, and cereals
- Behavior: The most widespread species in homes and offices
Firebrat (Thermobia domestica)
- Appearance: Similar in shape to silverfish but mottled gray or brown
- Habitat: Prefers high heat—often found near boilers, hot water heaters, and furnaces
- Diet: Same as silverfish—starches, sugars, glue, and fibers
- Behavior: More common in commercial kitchens, laundry rooms, or mechanical areas
Though slightly different in appearance and preferences, both species are equally destructive and difficult to control once established indoors.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
- Spotting small, silvery insects darting quickly at night
- Yellow stains or tiny holes in paper, fabric, or wallpaper
- Damage to book bindings, documents, or stored clothing
- Shed skins or scales in dark corners, closets, or storage boxes
Why Silverfish Are a Problem
- Damage to property – including documents, books, clothing, and wallpaper
- Contamination – may invade dry goods such as flour, cereal, or pet food
- Hard to eliminate – hide in cracks, behind walls, and in insulation
- Persistent – survive in low-light, humid conditions and reproduce quietly
Silverfish Prevention Tips
- Use a dehumidifier in high-moisture areas like basements or bathrooms
- Fix leaky pipes and plumbing fixtures promptly
- Store papers, photos, and textiles in sealed plastic containers
- Avoid cardboard for long-term storage—use plastic bins instead
- Vacuum and dust low-traffic corners, closets, and storage rooms
- Seal gaps and cracks along baseboards, moldings, and windows
Our Silverfish Control Approach
Silverfish are fast-moving, moisture-loving pests that thrive in dark corners, bathrooms, basements, and attics—often going unnoticed until an infestation sets in. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, our silverfish control strategy begins with a detailed inspection to locate hiding spots, feeding zones, and moisture sources. We apply targeted, EPA-registered treatments to cracks, crevices, and high-activity areas like baseboards and behind appliances. Our technicians also recommend exclusion techniques and environmental adjustments—like reducing humidity and sealing entry points—to prevent recurrence. Whether you’re seeing occasional sightings or signs of damage to books, wallpaper, or clothing, we’ll help restore comfort and keep silverfish out for good.
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