Photo: Aiwok, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kansas City Pest Identification
Lepisma saccharinumSilverfish Identification
A fast, wingless, fish-shaped insect found in damp basements, bathrooms, and around stored paper and book bindings. Not dangerous, but a reliable sign of excess moisture and humidity.
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How to Identify It
Silvery-gray, teardrop-shaped body tapering to three long tail bristles, moves in a quick fish-like wriggle, and avoids light — usually seen darting away when a box or item is disturbed.
Size: 12–19 mm
Commonly Confused With
Firebrats (similar shape, prefer warmer/drier spots like near furnaces) — the distinction rarely matters for treatment.
Why It Shows Up
High humidity and a food source of starches (paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, some fabrics). They thrive in basements, bathrooms, and closets with poor ventilation.
Where Homeowners Find It
Basements, bathrooms, closets, behind wallpaper, in stored books and boxes, and under sinks.
Seasonal Activity in KC
Year-round indoors; most active in humid summer months.
Risk Level
No bite, no disease transmission. They can damage paper goods, wallpaper, and book bindings over time in heavy infestations.
What You Can Do Yourself
- • Run a dehumidifier in basements and poorly ventilated bathrooms to get humidity below 50%.
- • Store paper items, books, and cardboard boxes off the floor and away from damp walls.
- • Fix any plumbing leaks contributing to moisture.
What Professional Treatment Involves
Crack-and-crevice and void treatment in damp areas, combined with a moisture-reduction recommendation — treating without addressing humidity just means they come back.
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Common Questions
How do I tell a silverfish from something that looks similar?
Firebrats (similar shape, prefer warmer/drier spots like near furnaces) — the distinction rarely matters for treatment.
Do I need professional treatment for silverfish?
Crack-and-crevice and void treatment in damp areas, combined with a moisture-reduction recommendation — treating without addressing humidity just means they come back.