Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a teardrop-shaped body and long antennae. Their silvery, metallic scales and wiggling movement give them a fish-like appearance, which is how they got their name. These pests are nocturnal, meaning they stay hidden during the day and come out at night. They prefer dark, damp environments and are commonly found in bathrooms, basements, storage boxes, attics, and behind wallpaper.

Silverfish don’t bite or spread diseases, but they can damage household items over time by feeding on paper, fabric, and other materials. If you’re seeing them around, it likely means your home has enough humidity for them to thrive. At Simply Green Pest Control, we can pinpoint problem areas and apply targeted treatments to help keep silverfish under control.

What Do Silverfish Eat?

Silverfish are attracted to starchy materials and will eat a variety of items found in homes, including:

• Books & paper. The glue in book bindings and wallpaper paste makes these a prime food source. Over time, silverfish can leave irregular holes in pages and weaken wallpaper.
• Clothing & fabrics. Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen can become food for silverfish, leading to small holes and damage in stored clothing or linens.
• Food sources. Silverfish may infest dry pantry goods such as cereal, flour, sugar, and even pet food.
• Carpet & upholstery. Some synthetic fibers and natural materials attract silverfish, especially in humid conditions.

Silverfish can go months without food as long as they have moisture, making them tough to control. At Simply Green Pest Control, we tackle silverfish infestations with solutions that help protect your property. 

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Silverfish are great at staying hidden, so infestations often go unnoticed until damage becomes visible,

Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Damage to books & wallpaper. If you notice small, irregular holes or chewed edges on books, papers, or wallpaper, silverfish may be the cause.
• Yellow stains & shed skins. Silverfish shed their skins as they grow, leaving behind tiny, translucent cast-off shells. They also leave yellow stains on infested materials.
• Small droppings. Their waste appears as tiny, black, pepper-like specks near bookshelves, pantries, and storage areas.
• Sightings of silverfish. If you spot silverfish at night, especially in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms, there may be more hiding nearby.

If silverfish keep showing up, it might be time for professional pest control. We provide reliable silverfish treatments for homes and businesses in Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix, and Queen Creek.