Silverfish

– Look for small, shiny, carrot-shaped bugs.
– Find irregular holes in paper and books.
– Spot yellow frass near baseboards and books.

Reduce relative humidity below 50% (dehumidifier); apply residual dust insecticide (boric acid or diatomaceous earth) in wall voids and under baseboards; sticky trap monitoring for population tracking. The key fix is to dry out the room. A dehumidifier takes away the damp they need. A pro treats the cracks and voids where they hide. Sticky traps show if the numbers are going down.

We cut humidity and seal cracks. Then we place dust in wall voids and under baseboards.

– Run a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms to keep humidity below 50%.

– Seal cardboard boxes and store papers, books, and fabrics in airtight containers.

– Fix plumbing leaks and improve bathroom ventilation with exhaust fans.

– Caulk gaps around baseboards, pipes, and window frames to limit hiding areas.

– Inspect and remove old stacks of newspapers, magazines, and cardboard regularly.

– Run a dehumidifier in damp basements and attics.

– Store papers and books in sealed bins.

– Fix leaky pipes and add bathroom fans.

High-humidity areas: bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and attic spaces; feeds on starchy materials including paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and natural fabrics. Silverfish love damp, dark rooms. Bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms suit them well. They feed on paper, glue, and cloth. Old books and boxes give them food and a place to hide.

Silverfish show up in Portland basements and baths. Old homes with damp spots see more.