First things first—what are silverfish, exactly? Silverfish (scientific name Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects with long, flattened bodies covered in silvery scales, long antennae, and three tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomen.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish | 5 Easy Ways + Prevention Tips
MAY 12, 2026
Last updated: MAY 12, 2026
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If you’ve ever flipped through an old book or opened a closet and spotted a tiny, silvery, wiggly bug scurrying away, you’ve probably encountered silverfish. These creepy-crawlies are more common than you think, and many homeowners panic when they see them—wondering what are silverfish, if they’re harmful, and most importantly, how to get rid of silverfish.
Whether you call them silverfish or fish moths, these pests can sneak into your home unnoticed and cause small but annoying damage. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
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What Are Silverfish? Are Silverfish Harmful?
They move in a wiggly, fish-like motion, which is where their name comes from, and they’re nocturnal—so you’ll usually spot them at night or in dark, damp corners of your home. They’re primitive insects that have been around for millions of years, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.
Now, the big question: are silverfish harmful? The good news is, silverfish don’t bite humans, don’t carry or transmit diseases, and aren’t poisonous. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
These pests feed on starchy, sugary materials, including paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, dried grains, starched clothing, and even dandruff or dead skin cells. Over time, a silverfish infestation can cause damage to your belongings—think holes in old books, yellow stains on paper, or chewed fabric.
They can also leave behind their scales and fecal matter, which can trigger allergies in some people. While they’re not a serious health threat, they’re definitely a nuisance, and knowing how to get rid of silverfish early can save you from costly damage.
Silverfish are often confused with firebrats, a similar insect, but firebrats are shorter, stouter, and more yellowish with brown bands—they also prefer warmer areas like near furnaces or water heaters, while silverfish like cooler, damp spots.
What Causes Silverfish Infestations?
If you’re dealing with silverfish, you’re probably wondering what’s bringing them into your home. Silverfish infestations don’t happen by accident—they’re attracted to specific conditions, and understanding these causes can help you both get rid of silverfish and prevent them from coming back.
The first cause of silverfish infestations is high humidity. Silverfish lack a waxy coating on their bodies, which means they lose water easily and need a humid environment to survive. According to entomological research from the University of California, silverfish require environmental humidity between 65–75% to maintain proper body moisture, and they can’t survive long-term in dry conditions below 50% relative humidity.
That’s why keeping a dehumidifier running year-round indoors is an effective way to stop silverfish from invading your home. Common sources of excess humidity in homes include leaky pipes, poor ventilation in bathrooms or basements, condensation on windows, and damp laundry rooms.
Another major cause is easy access to food sources. Silverfish love starchy, sugary foods, so if you leave crumbs, open cereal boxes, or piles of old paper (like newspapers, magazines, or cardboard boxes) lying around, you’re basically inviting them in. They also feed on glue, wallpaper paste, and even pet food, so keeping your home tidy and food sealed can go a long way.
Silverfish also get into homes through small cracks and gaps in walls, windows, doors, or foundation cracks. They can also hitch a ride on cardboard boxes, old books, or secondhand furniture—so if you bring in used items, be sure to inspect them first. Additionally, cluttered spaces (like messy closets, basements, or attics) provide perfect hiding spots for silverfish, as they prefer dark, undisturbed areas to live and breed.
Finally, warm temperatures (between 70–90°F) attract silverfish, which is why they’re more common in spring and summer, but they can survive year-round in heated homes with high humidity.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish with 5 Easy Ways
Now, the most important part: how to get rid of silverfish. You don’t need expensive silverfish pest control services—these 5 easy, affordable methods work for most infestations, and they’re safe for kids and pets.
1. Use a Dehumidifier for Silverfish
Since silverfish thrive in high humidity, the first step to get rid of silverfish is to dry out your home. A dehumidifier for silverfish is one of the most effective tools—by reducing the relative humidity to below 50%, you eliminate the moisture they need to survive, and their eggs won’t hatch (egg development stops completely at humidity levels under 60%).
Place Newentor dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and run them consistently until the humidity drops. This method also helps repel silverfish, as they’ll seek out more humid environments elsewhere.
2. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
This is a favorite in the world of natural pest control. DE is a powder made from fossilized algae. To humans, it feels like flour; to silverfish, it’s like walking over broken glass. It dehydrates their exoskeleton on contact. Sprinkle it behind appliances and in cabinet corners.
3. Essential Oil Repellents
Learning how to repel silverfish naturally involves using scents they hate. Cedar oil and lavender oil are highly effective. You can mix these with water in a spray bottle or place cedar shavings in your closet. It won't necessarily kill a massive infestation, but it will keep them away from your favorite sweater.
4. Sticky Traps and Boric Acid
For active sightings, place sticky traps in "hot zones" like the laundry room or basement. For a more aggressive approach, a light dusting of boric acid in cracks and crevices can eliminate them. Note: Use caution with boric acid if you have curious pets or small children.
5. Declutter and Seal
Silverfish love cardboard boxes. Swap your cardboard storage for airtight plastic bins. Use caulk to seal cracks in your walls and around pipes. If you remove their hiding spots and their "buffet" of paper, they’ll look for a new home.
How to Prevent Silverfish Infestations?
Once you know how to get rid of silverfish, the next step is to prevent them from coming back. Silverfish infestations are easier to prevent than to eliminate, so follow these tips to keep your home silverfish-free:
First, control humidity year-round. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, fix leaky pipes and faucets immediately, and run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers to reduce moisture. You can also use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels—aim for below 50% to repel silverfish.
Second, keep your home tidy and clutter-free. Vacuum regularly, store food in airtight containers, and get rid of piles of paper, cardboard, and old clothing. Avoid storing items in damp areas like basements or attics unless they’re in sealed plastic containers.
Third, seal all entry points. Check your home for cracks and gaps in walls, windows, doors, and foundation, and seal them with caulk. Also, inspect secondhand furniture, books, and cardboard boxes before bringing them into your home—silverfish often hitch a ride on these items.
Fourth, use natural repellents to keep silverfish away. Silverfish hate strong scents like peppermint, lavender, and citrus. You can make a natural spray by mixing water with a few drops of peppermint oil and spraying it in areas where silverfish are likely to hide (under sinks, in closets, etc.). This won’t kill silverfish, but it will repel them and prevent them from setting up camp in your home.
Fifth, inspect your home regularly for signs of silverfish (like scales, fecal matter, or chewed paper). Catching an infestation early makes it much easier to get rid of silverfish before it becomes a bigger problem.
By following these prevention tips, you can keep your home free of silverfish and avoid the annoyance and damage they cause. Remember, consistency is key—even small changescan make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do silverfish hate the most?
Silverfish strongly hate dry air (humidity below 50%) and strong, aromatic scents.
- Top scents: cedarwood (most hated), lavender, citrus (lemon/orange), peppermint, cinnamon, clove.
- Other aversions: Bright light, open/ventilated spaces, and airtight, dry storage.
2. Does washing clothes get rid of silverfish eggs?
Yes—hot water washing kills silverfish eggs. Wash infested clothes at ≥60°C (140°F) (hottest safe for fabric) + high-heat dryer (≥30 mins) to destroy eggs and nymphs. Eggs (≈1mm) can’t survive sustained heat or agitation.
3. What is the lifespan of a silverfish?
- Total lifespan: 2–8 years (one of the longest-lived household pests).
- Egg stage: 20–60 days (hatches faster in warm/humid conditions).
- Nymph stage: 3 months–2 years (mini adults, molt repeatedly).
- Adult stage: 1–5 years (continue molting throughout life).
4. How long does it take to get rid of silverfish?
It depends on the size of the infestation. For small infestations, you’ll start to see fewer silverfish within a week of using dehumidifiers, traps, and diatomaceous earth. For larger infestations, it may take 2–4 weeks to completely eliminate them. Consistency is key—keep using the methods until you stop seeing silverfish.
5. What’s the difference between silverfish and fish moths?
There’s no difference—“fish moths” is just another common name for silverfish, especially in some regions. Both refer to the same wingless, silvery insect that feeds on starchy materials. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of fish moths, the same methods for how to get rid of silverfish will work.
Bottom Lines
Dealing with an infestation can feel overwhelming, but once you know how to get rid of silverfish, it’s just a matter of consistency. By focusing on moisture control—especially by using a dehumidifier for silverfish—and removing their food sources, you can turn your home back into a sanctuary.
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