Crawling Pest

Silverfish Control

Silver-colored insects that feed on paper, fabric, and starchy materials, causing damage to books, clothing, and wallpaper throughout Chicagoland homes.

Size

1/2 to 3/4 inch long

Color

Silvery-metallic with scales

Habitat

Dark, humid areas

Damage Risk

Moderate to High

Primitive pest insect silverfish Lepisma saccharina on the bathroom floor.
3yrs
Lifespan

Silverfish Identification & Damage

Learn to identify silverfish and understand the potential damage they can cause to your property.

Physical Features

  • 1/2 to 3/4 inch long (12-19mm)
  • Silvery, metallic appearance
  • Fish-like, tapered body shape
  • Three long, thread-like tail appendages
  • Long antennae extending forward

Behavior Patterns

  • Nocturnal - active at night
  • Fast, fish-like movements
  • Hide in dark, humid spaces
  • Prefer temperatures 70-80°F
  • Can live up to 3 years

Property Damage

  • Books, magazines, and paper
  • Clothing, especially cotton and linen
  • Wallpaper and photo album glue
  • Carpet and upholstery
  • Food packaging and cereals

Prevention Strategies

Moisture Control

  • • Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
  • • Fix leaky pipes and faucets
  • • Ensure proper ventilation
  • • Clean up water spills immediately

Storage Protection

  • • Store books and papers in dry places
  • • Use sealed plastic containers
  • • Cedar blocks deter silverfish
  • • Regular cleaning of storage areas

Common Hiding Places

Indoor Locations:

Basements
Bathrooms
Attics
Laundry rooms
Behind bookcases
Kitchen cabinets
Storage closets
Around pipes

Pro Tip: Silverfish are most active at night. Use a flashlight to check for them in dark corners and crevices during evening hours.

Professional Silverfish Control

Our experts provide comprehensive silverfish elimination and prevention services, protecting your valuable belongings from ongoing damage.

Thorough Inspection

We locate all hiding spots and entry points

Targeted Treatment

Professional-grade insecticides and baits

Moisture Solutions

Humidity control recommendations