Silverfish

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What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish are small, flat, and fast, about ½ to ¾ of an inch long. Shiny, silvery scales cover their bodies, giving them a metallic look; they also move with a quick, wiggling motion that’s a bit like a fish swimming. You’ll also notice two long antennae up front and three thin, tail-like bristles at the back. While their appearance might be unsettling, silverfish are completely wingless and harmless to people.

Life Cycle of Silverfish

Silverfish are slow developers compared to other insects. They start life as tiny white nymphs that hatch from eggs hidden in cracks or crevices. Over several months, sometimes up to a year, they molt multiple times before reaching adulthood. 

Unlike most insects, silverfish continue to shed their skins even after they mature, which is one reason they can live for several years. Inside Arizona homes, silverfish can reproduce year-round if food and moisture are available.

What Do Silverfish Eat?

Silverfish feed on carbohydrates and proteins found in household materials. Their diet includes:

• Paper, books, and cardboard
• Wallpaper paste
• Glue
• Fabrics like cotton and linen
• Pantry goods such as flour, oats, and cereal

In other words, anything containing starch or sugar is fair game. That’s why they’re often discovered in storage areas, pantries, and libraries. Arizona homeowners may see more silverfish activity during dry spells, when the insects seek out indoor moisture and a reliable food source.

Where Silverfish Are Found in Arizona Homes

Even though Arizona is known for its dry desert climate, silverfish still find plenty of comfortable hiding spots indoors. They prefer humid, dark, and undisturbed areas, such as:

• Bathrooms and laundry rooms
• Under sinks and around plumbing leaks
• Attics
• Storage boxes and bookcases
• Garages and utility closets

Homes that have poor ventilation often attract these pests, as they create pockets of humidity that silverfish love.

What Attracts Silverfish Indoors

Silverfish are drawn to two main things: moisture and food.

Humidity from leaky pipes or poorly ventilated bathrooms creates an ideal environment for silverfish to thrive. Paper clutter, stored clothing, and unsealed pantry items provide a steady meal supply. In Arizona, silverfish often enter through tiny cracks around doors, windows, or foundations, then settle into cool, moist spaces away from the desert heat.

Do Silverfish Bite?

No, silverfish do not bite people or pets. They don’t sting, spread disease, or carry bacteria. Their mouthparts are designed for scraping and chewing starchy materials, not skin. The worst they’ll do is startle you as they dart out of a dark corner.

Are Silverfish Harmful?

While they aren’t dangerous to your health, silverfish can be damaging to your belongings. They can chew small holes in paper, clothing, wallpaper, and cardboard boxes. Over time, their feeding can ruin keepsakes, stored files, or fabric. You may also notice yellow stains or tiny pepper-like droppings near infested areas. The longer they go unchecked, the more likely they are to cause cosmetic or material damage.

How to Prevent Silverfish Infestations

Keeping silverfish out starts with controlling moisture and removing food sources:

• Use dehumidifiers in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other humid areas
• Fix leaky faucets or pipes promptly
• Store books, papers, and clothing in sealed containers
• Keep dry foods in airtight jars or plastic bins
• Vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and clutter
• Seal gaps around baseboards, vents, and plumbing lines

If silverfish continue to show up despite these steps, professional pest control can identify hidden moisture issues and apply treatments to eliminate them.

How Do You Get Rid of Silverfish?

If you're finding silverfish in your bathroom or other parts of your home, contact Northwest Exterminating for assistance! Our locally operated pest control team offers effective pest control services that stop these pests from taking over.