How to get rid
of silverfish.
How to get rid of silverfish: lower humidity, fix leaks, clear paper and cardboard clutter, seal cracks and monitor with sticky traps. A guide for Toronto homes, basements and bathrooms.
Silverfish are small, fast, wingless insects that need damp conditions. They are most often found in basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms, where they feed on paper, glue, starch and crumbs. They do not bite or spread disease, but they can damage books, papers and stored items. The key to getting rid of them is making your home drier.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish:
step by step.
1. Confirm they are silverfish
Silverfish are about 1 to 2 cm long, silvery-grey and shaped like a teardrop, with long antennae and three bristles at the tail. They move quickly and are mostly active at night. House centipedes have many long legs; silverfish have only six.
2. Lower the humidity
Run a dehumidifier in the basement, use bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers, and dry laundry rooms properly. Silverfish struggle to survive in dry air.
3. Fix leaks and damp spots
Repair dripping pipes and taps, deal with condensation on cold water lines and basement walls, and keep eavestroughs and downspouts draining away from the foundation.
4. Clear paper and cardboard clutter
Move books, papers, photos and clothing out of cardboard boxes and into sealed plastic bins. Recycle old newspapers and magazines stored in damp areas.
5. Clean and seal hiding places
Vacuum cracks, baseboards and shelves to remove eggs and food. Caulk gaps around baseboards, pipes and bathtubs where silverfish hide.
6. Monitor with sticky traps
Put sticky traps along walls in the basement and bathroom to see where they are most active. If you use an insecticide, choose one with a Pest Control Products (PCP) number that is labelled for silverfish and follow the label.
Mistakes
to avoid.
- Spraying insecticide without fixing the moisture problem.
- Storing books, papers and clothing in cardboard boxes in a damp basement.
- Mistaking silverfish for another pest and treating the wrong problem.
- Ignoring a slow leak or condensation.
When to call
a professional.
Our silverfish control service in Toronto costs $199–$499, before HST. Quotes are free, and we are fully licensed and insured.
Call a professional if
- You still see silverfish after a few weeks with a dehumidifier running.
- They are in several rooms or floors of the home.
- Stored books, papers or clothing are being damaged.
- You are not sure whether they are silverfish, firebrats or another insect.
Common questions.
Are silverfish harmful?
They do not bite or spread disease. The main concern is damage to paper, books, photos, wallpaper and some fabrics.
Why do I see silverfish in my bathroom?
Bathrooms are humid and have plenty of hiding places around tubs, sinks and pipes. Using the exhaust fan and fixing leaks makes the room less suitable.
What attracts silverfish?
Moisture, darkness and food such as paper, cardboard, glue, starch, flour and crumbs.
Still seeing activity?
Tell us what you are seeing, where and for how long. We will confirm the price before any work starts.
Guidance based on Health Canada: silverfish and firebrats. Updated October 10, 2026.