Occasional invaders
Silverfish: identification, signs & control
What causes silverfish in a house?
Silverfish are caused by humidity and food: they thrive where relative humidity is high and they can feed on paper, glue, starch and fabric. Basements, bathrooms, attics and stored boxes are typical spots. Rehoboth treats the cracks and voids where silverfish hide as part of its general plan, and lowering humidity keeps them from coming back.
How do you identify silverfish?
- Silvery, teardrop-shaped, wingless
- Three long tail bristles and long antennae
- Wiggle like a fish when they run
What are the signs of silverfish?
- Silverfish in tubs, sinks and basements
- Irregular holes or yellow stains on paper, books and fabric
- Tiny pepper-like droppings
Are silverfish dangerous?
- Damage to books, documents, photos, wallpaper and clothing
- A sign of high humidity
How can you prevent silverfish?
- Keep basement humidity below about 50%
- Store papers and clothing in sealed plastic bins
- Fix leaks and ventilate bathrooms
How does Rehoboth treat silverfish?
Crack-and-crevice dusting in voids and baseboards, interior spot treatment at moisture points, and perimeter treatment, included in the general pest plan.
More questions
Do silverfish bite?
No. Silverfish don't bite or spread disease. The concern is damage to paper, fabric and stored items.
Get rid of silverfish
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.