Silverfish are nuisance pests commonly found in the bathrooms and basements of countless homes worldwide. They are not fish, nor are they aquatic in any way, shape, or form (although, they do love moisture). Rather, these pests are named as such due to their resemblance to a fish: they have a scaly appearance, as well as a metallic-silver sheen. Silverfish also wiggle left and right while running, which gives them the appearance of a swimming fish.

They can grow to be about ¾ of an inch long, and have no pincers, fangs, stingers, or venom to speak of. What they do have is a voracious appetite for sugars, starches, paper, grains, and fungi. While they are harmless to humans, they can be quite destructive to our possessions due to their peculiar nutritional preferences. Silverfish have been known to munch on books, pantry supplies like flour and cereal, clothing fabric and upholstery, and even glue!

Once silverfish have made their way into the home, things can get out of hand quickly due to their rapid rate of reproduction. Luckily, they don’t stand a chance against a well-prepared homeowner. Below is a list detailing the habits of silverfish, as well as some helpful preventative tips for keeping these phony “fish” out of your house.