They don’t fly, bite, or sting — but silverfish are one of the most unsettling pests you can find indoors. Their wiggly, fast movements and tendency to damage books, papers, and clothing make them a real nuisance in Middle Tennessee homes.

Add in their preference for moist, dark areas, and it’s clear: if you’re seeing silverfish, there’s a deeper issue that needs attention.

Active Seasons

Silverfish are active year-round, especially in humid areas like bathrooms, attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Activity increases in spring and summer due to higher humidity and more moisture buildup.

Lifespan

Silverfish are built to last — adults can live up to 3 years and go months without food, making them a persistent pest that’s tough to eliminate without professional help.

Reproduction Rate

Silverfish lay about 50–100 eggs during their lifespan, typically in small cracks or crevices. Eggs hatch in just a few weeks, meaning populations can quietly grow out of sight until you’re seeing them regularly.

How to Identify

• Appearance:

  • About ½ to ¾ inch long

  • Silvery-gray, teardrop-shaped body

  • Long antennae and three tail-like appendages

  • Move with a signature wiggling, darting motion

• Signs of Infestation:

  • Small holes in paper, books, wallpaper, or fabric

  • Yellowish stains or scales where they’ve been crawling

  • Sightings near drains, tubs, baseboards, or in storage boxes

Silverfish are nocturnal, so seeing them during the day usually means the infestation is well-established.

Health Concerns

• Silverfish don’t transmit disease or bite humans, but they can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals due to shed skin and waste.

• They often indicate high humidity or moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, or wood rot over time.

Property Concerns

• Damage books, cardboard, wallpaper, photos, and stored clothing

• Feed on sugar, starch, and glue, which means everything from pantry goods to your favorite novel is at risk

• Thrive in attics, basements, and crawlspaces — especially those with insulation, boxes, or paper-based storage

Why You Need Perimeter Pest

Silverfish are masters of hiding, and over-the-counter sprays won’t reach their hiding spots behind walls, under flooring, or inside stored boxes.

At Perimeter Pest, we use a targeted approach that includes:

• Identifying moisture sources and habitat areas
• Treating cracks, voids, and hidden crevices

Creeped out by silverfish? We don’t blame you. Let Perimeter Pest stop them cold — Nashville’s go-to experts for discreet, effective pest control.