How to be sure it's a silverfish
A few look-alikes get blamed on silverfish. Confirm it before you treat, because the fix depends on the bug.
- Teardrop, carrot-shaped body about 12–19 mm long, tapering from head to tail.
- Silvery-grey and slightly metallic, with a wriggling, fish-like movement across the floor.
- Three long bristles at the tail end and two long antennae at the front.
- Active at night — you'll often find one stranded in a sink or bathtub in the morning.
- Firebrats look almost identical but are mottled grey-brown and prefer hot spots like near a boiler or hot-water tank.
The plan
- Run a dehumidifier in basements aiming for 50% humidity.
- Use the bathroom fan during and after showers.
- Store paper and grain in sealed containers.
- Place small sticky traps along baseboards to monitor.
- Caulk cracks where they hide during the day.
Pest control disclaimer. Photo-based identification can help, but it is not always perfect. For dangerous spiders, large infestations, or anything you are unsure about, contact a licensed pest control professional.