Types of Damage You Can Expect from Silverfish
by Allison Kirschbaum | June 24, 2025 | Blog
When it comes to household pests, silverfish are often overlooked because they move quietly and typically emerge at night. While silverfish are relatively small and inconspicuous, their impact on your belongings can be surprisingly destructive.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about silverfish infestations, the types of damage they cause, and, most importantly, how to get rid of silverfish to protect your home and belongings!
What Are Silverfish and How Do They Get Into Homes?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a silvery-blue, metallic sheen and fish-like movements, hence their name. Silverfish don’t bite or fly, but they’re swift and resourceful when it comes to finding their way inside.
They typically enter homes through tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors or windows, or through torn screens. They can also hitch a ride in cardboard boxes, paper bags, or secondhand books or old clothing. Basically anything stored in garages, sheds, or storage units.
If you’ve recently brought home storage bins from a garage or snagged a vintage book at a yard sale, you may have unknowingly invited a few unwanted guests.
Why Silverfish Infestation Happens: 4 Common Conditions Found in Homes
Silverfish infestations often begin unnoticed, due to their nocturnal habits and preference for hiding in cracks, crevices, and cluttered areas. The following conditions encourage silverfish populations in your home:
- High humidity: Silverfish thrive in damp environments, which is why bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms are typical hotspots for these pests. Even small leaks or poor ventilation can create ideal moisture levels.
- Starch-rich environments: These pests feed on starchy and sugary substances found in cardboard, paper, wallpaper paste, book bindings, and some fabrics, especially in storage areas.
- Clutter and dark hiding spots: Silverfish are drawn to sheltered and undisturbed areas such as piles of paper, cardboard, bookshelves, or cluttered closets. The more untouched and unorganized a space is, the more likely it is to harbor a growing silverfish infestation.
- Poor ventilation: Rooms with poor ventilation tend to retain moisture for longer periods, especially in areas such as crawl spaces, under-sink cabinets, and bathrooms without exhaust fans.
The Damages Caused by a Silverfish Infestation in Your Home
Silverfish infestation is more common than many homeowners realize. Their diet includes paper, glue, fabric, and even certain food items, which means their presence can cause irreversible harm to household items like books, wallpaper, and clothing. Let’s take a closer look at the damage that silverfish can cause to your home.
How Silverfish Damage Books
One of the most common types of silverfish damage is to books and paper products. Silverfish require food sources rich in polysaccharides, mainly cellulose and starch, which are the primary components of paper and book bindings. This leads to:
- Eroded pages: They typically start by nibbling on the outer edges of pages, leaving irregular holes and notches. Over time, the damage can spread inward, weakening the structural integrity of the book and causing the pages to become brittle or fragmented.
- Damaged bindings: Silverfish are attracted to the glue and paste used in book bindings. Their feeding habits can cause bindings to loosen, resulting in books falling apart over time.
- Yellowing and staining: As silverfish consume parts of books, their droppings and bodily secretions can leave yellow or brown stains on pages, further degrading the material.
Old books, encyclopedias, and paperbacks with glue-based bindings are particularly vulnerable to silverfish infestation. Over time, even valuable documents and cherished family albums can suffer noticeable damage. That’s why collectors and homeowners with extensive or sentimental book collections should stay especially vigilant.
How Silverfish Damage Wallpaper
Wallpaper provides another rich food source for silverfish due to the starch content in the glue used during installation. They specifically target vintage or paper-based wallpapers glued with starch or other organic adhesives. Here’s how silverfish damage wallpaper:
- Peeling and holes: Silverfish feeding on wallpaper glue causes the adhesive to weaken, leading to peeling or bubbling of the wallpaper from the walls. Small holes or tears can also appear on the wallpaper surface where silverfish have chewed through.
- Discoloration: Similar to their effect on books, silverfish droppings can stain wallpaper with yellow or brownish marks that are hard to remove.
- Structural weakening: In cases of severe infestations, silverfish damage can compromise the wallpaper’s adherence and the wall’s finish. This is not only unsightly but can be costly to repair, especially in older homes where wallpaper is an integral part of the décor.
Wallpapers in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are at the greatest risk due to moisture buildup in these areas. Also, wallpaper that is older or poorly maintained may also attract silverfish more readily.
How Silverfish Damage Clothing
Although silverfish primarily prefer paper and starches, they can also damage clothing, particularly fabrics that contain natural fibers or starch residues. Here’s how silverfish damage clothing:
- Holes and fraying: Silverfish nibble on clothing made of cotton, linen, silk, or rayon, creating small holes. They often start to chew through hems, collars, or hidden folds. This damage not only ruins the appearance of clothing but also weakens the fabric, leading to tearing or fraying.
- Damage to stored textiles: Clothing stored in dark, damp closets or boxes is vulnerable, as silverfish seek these conditions. Items that haven’t been cleaned or worn for a while attract silverfish more easily.
- Damage to upholstery and linens: Beyond clothing, silverfish can also feed on natural fiber upholstery, curtains, and linens, causing similar degradation.
Homeowners with vintage or delicate fabrics, heirloom textiles, or extensive wardrobes should be cautious. Damage can be gradual and easily mistaken for cloth moth damage, but silverfish tend to leave a more irregular pattern of holes.
6 Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish Infestation and Prevent It in the Future
Dealing with a silverfish infestation requires a full sweep of your home, from fixing what attracted them in the first place to repairing silverfish damage that’s already been done. Here are six ways to get rid of silverfish and prevent them from coming back:
1. Eliminate Moisture and Control Humidity
Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Use a dehumidifier in basements or other places where you’ve noticed dampness, and keep indoor humidity below 50%.
Pay special attention to areas with existing damage. If you notice wallpaper bubbling or peeling due to moisture, along with signs of feeding damage such as yellow stains, frayed edges, or small holes, it’s best to remove and replace it. Use mold-resistant adhesive when applying new wallpaper to deter pests in the future.
2. Clean and Declutter
Remove piles of paper, cardboard, and unnecessary clutter to reduce the pests’ hiding spots and food sources. Vacuum and dust frequently, especially in dark corners, closets, and storage areas.
If you’ve noticed silverfish damage to books, gently vacuum frass (droppings) and debris from affected books using a soft brush attachment. Keep valuable or irreplaceable books in sealed containers or closed bookcases with good airflow.
Clothing that’s been exposed should be washed in hot water and thoroughly dried to kill any lingering eggs. Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage. Instead, opt for bins with tight-fitting lids. Also, add moisture absorbers to closets and drawers.
For wallpaper, check behind peeling sections and seams for any loose areas. If glue has been eaten away or yellow stains have formed, remove the damaged section and reapply new adhesive or replace the panel altogether. Choose pest-resistant adhesives when possible.
Don’t overlook the areas around damaged wallpaper or bookshelves. Even if you’ve removed visible damage, eggs and larvae can linger in crevices. Use a crevice tool or small brush to reach tight corners, and dispose of vacuum bags or canister contents immediately.
3. Use Sticky Traps
A simple way to monitor and reduce a silverfish infestation is by using sticky traps or DIY glass jar traps wrapped in masking tape. Place these traps along baseboards, in corners, behind furniture, or anywhere you’ve noticed signs of silverfish damage.
Once inside the jar, the smooth interior surface of the glass prevents silverfish from escaping. Check traps regularly to monitor pest activity and identify potential infestation areas.
4. Apply Targeted Treatments
For minor infestations, reducing humidity and removing clutter is often sufficient to prevent silverfish from spreading. However, in cases of widespread or recurring silverfish infestations, chemical treatments may be necessary for proper silverfish management.
Sprays containing pyrethrin or synthetic pyrethroids, such as bifenthrin or cyfluthrin, may help target silverfish by killing them on contact and providing short-term residual protection. Apply these to cracks, crevices, behind bookcases, and along baseboards. Always follow the product label and avoid spraying near food, pets, or electrical components.
Dusts like silica gel or pyrethrin-based powders may also help when applied directly into hiding spots using a bulb duster. These remain effective in dry areas but may require reapplication if used in moist environments. However, use these powders with caution. Avoid excessive application and keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental exposure.
Baits and foggers, however, are usually ineffective for silverfish, as these pests rarely ingest conventional bait formulas and tend to avoid open spaces where foggers are dispersed. Regardless, you can also use natural remedies, such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid. Sprinkle it along baseboards, behind toilets, or under sinks. Be sure to apply these powders carefully and avoid direct contact with skin or inhalation.
Seal Entry Points to Prevent Reinfestation
Once you’ve treated your home, prevent silverfish from coming back by sealing gaps and cracks around doors, windows, vents, and foundation walls. Install door sweeps and weatherstripping, and use caulk to fill in holes along baseboards and utility lines.
6. Call a Pest Control Expert
For minor silverfish problems, you can manage with the preventive and control measures above. However, when silverfish damage becomes widespread or persistent, professional pest control experts are your best option. Professionals have access to stronger, targeted treatments and can conduct thorough inspections to address a silverfish infestation.
Common Questions About Silverfish Damage
Here are some frequently-asked questions about the damages that silverfish can cause in your home.
Where am I most likely to find damage from silverfish?
You’re most likely to find silverfish damage in areas with high humidity and stored materials they can feed on. Common locations include basements, attics, bathrooms, and storage areas where they target books, papers, photographs, wallpaper, clothing with natural fibers, and stored fabrics. Look for irregular holes, yellow staining, or surface scratches on paper products, book bindings, and wallpaper edges. Silverfish also damage stored clothing made of cotton, linen, silk, or other natural materials, particularly items stored in dark, undisturbed areas like closets or storage boxes.
How can I avoid damage from silverfish?
Prevent silverfish damage by controlling humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers, especially in basements and attics. Store valuable papers, photographs, and books in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. Keep clothing in cedar chests or sealed garments bags, and regularly inspect stored items. Reduce clutter in storage areas and maintain good ventilation. Seal cracks and crevices where silverfish hide, and use natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage areas. Regular cleaning and vacuuming eliminate food sources and hiding spots.
How much does damage from silverfish cost?
Silverfish damage costs vary widely depending on the items affected and their value. Minor damage to common household papers or clothing might cost $50-200 to replace, while damage to valuable books, antique papers, or important documents can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Family photographs, artwork, or collectible books may have irreplaceable sentimental value beyond monetary costs. Professional restoration of damaged papers or books can range from $100-500 per item. Prevention through proper storage and humidity control is significantly more cost-effective than replacing damaged irreplaceable items.
Can I get rid of a silverfish infestation on my own?
Many silverfish infestations can be managed with DIY methods including reducing humidity, sealing entry points, using sticky traps, and applying diatomaceous earth or boric acid in areas where silverfish travel. Thorough cleaning, decluttering, and proper storage of susceptible materials often provide effective control. However, severe infestations in large homes, persistent problems despite prevention efforts, or situations involving valuable collections may require professional pest control services. Professionals can identify hidden harborage areas, apply targeted treatments, and provide comprehensive prevention strategies that DIY methods might miss.
Protect Your Valuable Items from Silverfish Infestations with Pest Control Experts!
While silverfish don’t bite or spread disease, the impact of their feeding can be extensive and expensive. If you suspect a silverfish infestation in your home, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Here at Pest Control Experts, we connect you with the best local pest control experts, who expertly tackle infestations and know how to get rid of silverfish efficiently. Contact Pest Control Experts today for a quote and let our team handle the problem for you!
