About Silverfish
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are primitive wingless insects measuring 12–19 mm with a shimmering silver-scaled body and three posterior tail-like appendages. They are ancient insects, appearing nearly unchanged in the fossil record for 400 million years. They thrive in high-humidity environments — bathrooms, basements, and attics — and feed on carbohydrates including book bindings, paper documents, wallpaper paste, starch in clothing, and pantry goods like flour and rolled oats. They are capable of surviving over a year without food. While not harmful to humans, they cause genuine damage to books, archival documents, and natural-fiber clothing.
Geographic Distribution
This insect is found across North America, with notable populations in Canada and surrounding regions.
Management
If you suspect a Silverfish problem, consult our recommended exterminator services or browse our full pest species database for related species and control guidance.