Silverfish I Brevard and Indian River Counties
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Simple Silverfish Control: The Unwanted Houseguests Who Eat Your Books and Party in Your Closets

If you’ve ever reached for a book or an old photo album only to find a tiny, silver, wriggling bug darting away at the speed of light, congratulations—you’ve met a silverfish.

These prehistoric, paper-loving pests are like that one cousin who crashes on your couch for ‘just a few days’ and is still there six months later. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they don’t spread disease, but they will munch on your belongings and make themselves right at home in your closets, garages, and bathrooms.

Silverfish
Silverfish thrive in high humidity environments.

Why Do I Have Silverfish?

Silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments, making Florida homes a perfect breeding ground. They’re especially fond of places with moisture, darkness, and plenty of things to chew on—think master bedroom closets, garages stacked with delivery boxes, and home offices where important files mysteriously disappear overnight. If you live in a concrete home, you might notice more of them since concrete tends to hold moisture longer than wood-framed houses.

And if your home was built during the 2000s when waterproofing scams were all the rage? Well, let’s just say silverfish might be enjoying your home as much as you are.

Silverfish Control
Silverfish control can be as easy as turning on a dehumidifier.

Silverfish & Regina George From Mean Girls Think Carbs Are So Fetch

Silverfish love carbohydrates in all forms: paper, glue, books, wallpaper, cardboard boxes, and even your favorite vintage T-shirt. Got a pile of Amazon boxes sitting in the garage? Perfect silverfish habitat. Stacks of old newspapers? Buffet time. Closets packed with shoes, clothing, and storage bins? Five-star resort.

They also have a knack for invading the master closets in newer homes—especially in places like Viera and Palm Bay—where builders love placing closets right off the bathroom. Every time you shower, you’re creating a humid paradise for silverfish. And let’s be honest, those closet doors rarely get closed, so the little guys are encouraged by the environment to set up shop.

Silverfish
Is butter a carb? Regina’s secret? A silverfish-approved carb-heavy diet.

How to Evict Silverfish—Silverfish Control Without Pesticides!

Good news: you don’t need to douse your house in chemicals to kick these pests to the curb. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is your best friend. Here are some easy steps to get rid of them and keep them away:

  1. Run a Dehumidifier: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so removing excess moisture is key.
  2. Keep Closet Doors Closed: Simple but effective. Make it a habit, and the lower moisture levels with discourage the silverfish from invading your closet.
  3. Use DampRid or Hanging Moisture Absorbers: These inexpensive products pull moisture from the air, making closets and storage areas less appealing.
  4. Install A/C Vents in Closets: Some of my customers have added A/C vents to their closets, and it solved not only their silverfish problem but also stopped random items from getting moldy.
  5. Silverfish Bait Packs: If you have an office (home or otherwise), bait packs are a great way to protect important documents. They usually come in 24-packs, so you can place extras in your closets or areas where you store papers, just in case silverfish try to get sneaky.
  6. Cedar Products: According to a University of Florida publication, Japanese cedar extract repels silverfish. You can grab cedar balls, cedar hangers, or cedar slivers at Walmart or online—bonus, they can help with moisture control too!

What If I Need a Little Extra Help?

If you’re battling an ongoing silverfish invasion, my pest control service at Pest & Lawn Organic Guard includes silverfish treatment as part of our regular service. But the best results come from fixing the problem at its source. Habitat modification is always better than dealing with recurring infestations (and moldy leather goods).

Oh, and did I mention our attic dusting service is FREE for new customers? Silverfish love attics, but our dusting service takes care of them before they get a chance to migrate down into your living space. If you live in a mobile home, we also offer under-mobile-home dusting, which is a game-changer for moisture control and pest prevention—especially in places like Barefoot Bay, where older mobile homes often have serious moisture issues underneath.

Final Thoughts—Silverfish Are Survivors, But You Can Win

Silverfish have been around since the time of dinosaurs, so they’re pretty resilient. But with a little environmental tweaking and the right pest control strategies, you don’t have to share your home with these ancient, paper-eating squatters. Whether it’s using dehumidifiers, cedar products, bait packs, or our professional pest control services, you can reclaim your home from silverfish—before they turn your master closet into their personal library and buffet.

Want silverfish gone for good? Call Pest & Lawn Organic Guard today at 321-704-0434 and let’s make your home a no-silverfish zone!

Cedars contain a natural insect repellent

FAQ’s Silverfish Control and Management

Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a metallic appearance, known for their swift movements. They thrive in humid environments and are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. In Palm Bay’s humid climate, homes with moisture issues or abundant food sources like paper and fabrics are particularly attractive to silverfish.

To deter silverfish:

  • Reduce humidity: Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation in damp areas.​
  • Eliminate food sources: Store dry goods in airtight containers and minimize paper clutter.​
  • Seal entry points: Repair cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations to prevent entry. ​

While silverfish do not bite or transmit diseases, they can cause damage to personal belongings. They feed on materials rich in carbohydrates and proteins, such as books, wallpaper, clothing, and dry goods, leading to potential property damage.

Silverfish Indicators include:

  • Physical sightings: Noticing live silverfish, especially in damp areas.​
  • Damage to items: Irregular holes or notches in books, papers, and fabrics.​
  • Droppings: Small, black, pepper-like feces near infested areas. ​

Natural methods include:

  • Essential oils: Applying lavender or cedar oil in infested areas acts as a repellent.​
  • Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling this non-toxic powder in affected zones can dehydrate and kill silverfish.

If natural remedies and preventive measures fail to control the infestation, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.

At Pest & Lawn Organic Guard, we offer comprehensive silverfish control solutions, including:​

  • Attic Dusting Service: Targeting silverfish hiding in attics to prevent infestations.​
  • Under-Mobile-Home Treatments: Specialized services for mobile homes in communities like Barefoot Bay, addressing moisture and pest issues beneath the structure.​
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining habitat modification, moisture control, and targeted treatments for effective and eco-friendly pest control.

Yes, without addressing the underlying conditions such as high humidity and accessible food sources, silverfish can return. Implementing preventive measures alongside professional treatments ensures long-term control.

Silverfish are drawn to materials containing starches and proteins, including:​

  • Books and paper products
  • Wallpaper and glue
  • Fabrics like cotton and linen
  • Dry food items such as cereals and flour

To keep silverfish at bay:

  • Regular cleaning: Vacuum and dust frequently to remove potential food sources.​
  • Monitor humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity below 50% using dehumidifiers.​
  • Inspect and seal: Regularly check for and seal any new cracks or crevices in your home’s structure.

Silverfish thrive in high-humidity environments, and bathrooms provide the perfect mix of moisture, warmth, and food sources (like paper, cotton towels, and even shampoo residue). If you frequently find them there, try:

  • Running an exhaust fan or dehumidifier to reduce humidity.
  • Closing your closet doors (especially if they’re near the bathroom).
  • Using DampRid or cedar products to absorb moisture.

Yes! Silverfish are excellent climbers thanks to their tiny bristles and sticky feet. They can crawl up walls, get into attics, and even drop from ceilings. If you’ve ever had one fall on you mid-shower (yikes!), they were probably just exploring.

To stop them from getting into high places:

  • Seal cracks and gaps around walls and ceilings.
  • Dust attic spaces with insecticide or our attic dusting service.
  • Reduce humidity, so they don’t feel the need to migrate upward.

Garages are silverfish paradise because they often have:

  • Cardboard boxes (they eat the glue and paper).
  • Humidity and warmth (especially in Florida).
  • Stored clothes, books, and papers (all tasty silverfish snacks).

To get rid of them in your garage:

  • Replace cardboard with plastic storage bins.
  • Use dehumidifiers or DampRid to reduce moisture.
  • Apply silverfish bait packs near problem areas.

Absolutely. Mobile homes often have moisture problems, especially older models or those without proper under-home insulation. Silverfish love:

  • Moisture from the ground under mobile homes.
  • Dark, enclosed spaces like crawlspaces.
  • Stored items in closets, cabinets, and under sinks.

That’s why our under-mobile-home dusting service is a game-changer. We apply a protective treatment underneath the home to prevent silverfish and other pests from coming up through the flooring and walls.

Silverfish love offices because:

  • They eat paper, envelopes, book bindings, and wallpaper glue.
  • Offices tend to be climate-controlled but may have hidden humidity issues.
  • Filing cabinets and desks create dark, protected hiding places.

How to get rid of silverfish in an office:

  • Use silverfish bait packs inside filing cabinets and bookshelves.
  • Store important papers in sealed plastic bins, not open shelves.
  • If you can’t adjust humidity, cedar products can help deter them.

Yes, but A/C makes it harder for them to thrive. While they prefer high humidity, they can still survive in cooler homes if they have access to food sources like paper and fabric.

To make your A/C even more effective against silverfish:

  • Install vents in closets to keep them from becoming humid hiding spots.
  • Regularly check for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and around windows.
  • Use a dehumidifier in problem areas to make your home less inviting.

No! Silverfish don’t care if your home is spotless. They care about moisture, darkness, and food sources. Even the cleanest home can get silverfish if there’s enough humidity and clutter.

If you need to get rid of silverfish right now, try:

  • Spraying a residual insecticide (like the one we use in our pest control service).
  • Using silverfish bait packs to eliminate hidden ones over time.
  • Applying diatomaceous earth (DE) around baseboards and inside closets.
  • Running a dehumidifier to make your home inhospitable.

But remember—long-term control comes from fixing the environment, not just killing them.

Our Pest Control Customers Enjoy Environments Free From:

We Provide Pest Control Services to These Brevard & Indian River Cities:

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