What Attracts Silverfish in the House? How to Get Rid of Them in 2025

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that move with a fish-like wiggle, giving them their name. They are usually silver or gray and measure about an inch long. These pests thrive in damp areas and feed on a variety of household items. Though they don’t bite or spread disease, silverfish can damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and even furniture. Understanding what attracts silverfish is essential to keeping them out of your home.

Factors That Attract Silverfish

1. Moisture and Humidity 

Silverfish need high humidity to survive, usually above 75%. They frequent damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. These spaces provide the moisture they need to thrive. If your home has poor ventilation or water-damaged areas, silverfish will be quick to move in. Read our latest post on How to Get Rid of Silverfish in the Bathroom Naturally? 2025 Guide

2. Food Sources 

Silverfish have a versatile diet that allows them to feast on many items found in your home. They favor starchy and sugary foods but will also eat protein-based materials. Common food sources for silverfish include:

• Flour, pasta, and sugar.
• Starch from cardboard, paper, and bookbindings.
• Glue found in wallpaper and furniture.
• Protein from dried meats and even dead insects. 

3. Dark, Undisturbed Areas 

Silverfish prefer to hide in dark, secluded spaces. They often nest in basements, attics, storage areas, and under sinks. These spots provide safety from predators and a stable environment for them to reproduce. 

4. Clutter 

Clutter is a haven for silverfish. Stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, and fabric piles serve as both food and hiding places. If your home has overcrowded storage areas or unused items left undisturbed, silverfish are likely to take advantage. 

5. Leaks and Water Damage 

Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and water-damaged wood create damp spots that attract silverfish. Water pooling around your home can also increase humidity levels, making it easier for silverfish to thrive.

Read Our Most Recently Published Guides on Termites, Earwigs, Fruit Flies, Ants Control, Baby Termites, Carpenter Ants and Gnats:

• Early Signs of Bed Bugs on Mattress? Explained in 2025
• Skin Early Signs of Bed Bugs? Identification, Prevention
• How Big are Termites? How to Identify Termites and Treatment
• What Color are Termites? Their Types of Termites
• Do Fruit Flies Bite: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them at House
• Drain Flies vs Fruit Flies: How to Tell the Difference in 2025
• How to Get Rid of Plant Gnats Fast? Prevention and Treatment Tips
• How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in House Fast? Fungus Gnats Treatment Tips
• How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast? 

How to Get Rid of Silverfish in the House?

1. Reduce Moisture 

Lowering humidity levels is one of the most effective ways to deter silverfish. 

• Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms like basements and laundry areas. 
• Fix leaks in plumbing, roofs, and walls to eliminate moisture sources. 
• Improve ventilation by using fans or opening windows to ensure proper airflow. 

2. Eliminate Food Sources 

Cutting off their access to food quickly reduces silverfish populations. 

• Store dry goods like flour, sugar, and cereal in airtight containers. 
• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, particularly in the kitchen and pantry. 
• Remove old stacks of paper, cardboard, and clutter that silverfish can feed on. 

3. Reduce Clutter 

Organize storage spaces to eliminate hiding spots for silverfish. 

• Recycle unnecessary papers and cardboard boxes. 
• Use plastic totes or sealed storage bins for long-term storage. 
• Regularly clean and declutter areas like attics and basements. 

4. Use Traps 

Traps are an effective way to control silverfish in small numbers. 

• Place sticky traps near silverfish activity areas like bathrooms or closets. 
• Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along their trails. This natural powder dehydrates silverfish and is safe to use around kids and pets. 

5. Natural Repellents 

Certain smells can drive silverfish away. Try these natural options: 

• Cedar Oil: Use cedar oil in a diffuser or spray bottle to repel them. 
• Lavender and Peppermint Oils: Dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and spray it into corners and crevices. 
• Bay Leaves: Place dried bay leaves in drawers or closets to deter silverfish. 

6. Professional Help 

If the infestation becomes too large or persistent, contact a pest control expert. Professional services can identify the source of the problem and provide targeted treatments to eliminate silverfish for good. Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for the latest updates.

Final Thoughts 

Addressing a silverfish infestation quickly is key to preventing damage to your home. By controlling humidity, reducing clutter, and eliminating food sources, you can create an environment that is uninviting to these pests. If you’re still dealing with silverfish despite your efforts, professional pest control services can help. Remember, understanding what attracts silverfish is the first step to effective prevention. Subscribe to Pest Control Guides for the latest pests updates.  

FAQs 

Why do I suddenly have silverfish in my house? 

You may have a buildup of conditions that attract silverfish, such as high humidity, leaks, or abundant food sources like paper or starchy foods. 

How can I permanently get rid of silverfish? 

Reduce moisture by storing food in sealed containers, cleaning up clutter, and sealing cracks or gaps around your home to prevent entry. Professional pest control can also offer long-term solutions. 

What spray kills silverfish? 

There are commercial sprays designed for silverfish, but natural alternatives like cedar oil or peppermint oil sprays are also effective and safer for families. 

What smells keep silverfish away? 

Silverfish dislike the scents of cedar, lavender, peppermint, and bay leaves. Using these natural repellents can help deter them.