Silverfish love damp, dark places: bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and storage boxes. Lower the humidity, remove paper and cardboard clutter, and place sticky traps along walls and under sinks to catch and monitor them.
Where silverfish hide
- Bathrooms, especially under the sink and behind the toilet
- Basements and laundry rooms
- Kitchen cupboards and pantries
- Cardboard boxes, old books and paper storage
They are active at night and feed on starches: paper, glue, cardboard, flour and fabric.
How to make your home less attractive
- Lower humidity: run bathroom fans and use a dehumidifier in damp basements.
- Fix leaks under sinks and around tubs.
- Swap cardboard for plastic bins in storage areas.
- Seal food like flour and cereal in airtight containers.
How to trap silverfish
Place sticky traps flat against walls and baseboards where you have seen silverfish, under sinks, behind the toilet and along basement walls. Traps catch them and also show you where they are most active.
Frequently asked questions
What attracts silverfish?
Humidity, darkness and starchy food such as paper, cardboard, glue and flour.
Do sticky traps work for silverfish?
Yes. Sticky traps placed along walls and under sinks catch silverfish and help you see where they are most active.
Are silverfish harmful?
They do not bite or spread disease, but they can damage paper, books, wallpaper and stored fabric.
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