Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
About the silverfish
Silverfish are the silver-grey teardrop-shaped insects you sometimes find in bathrooms, basements, attics, and behind wallpaper. They're nocturnal, surprisingly fast, and feed on starches, glue, paper, fabric, and dead skin — which means they can damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and dry goods over time. They're not a disease vector. The single most effective control is reducing humidity (dehumidifier in basements, fix bathroom ventilation) plus residual treatments in cracks.
Quick ID
12–19 mm metallic silver teardrop body with three long bristles at the rear.
In the Triangle
Common in older Triangle homes with damp basements, crawl spaces, and poorly ventilated bathrooms.
Think you have silverfishs?
Free inspection from a licensed Castle Exterminators technician — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle. We'll confirm the species and recommend a treatment plan.
Request Free Inspection (919) 606-8686
