Silverfish are not directly harmful to humans or pets—they don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, they can cause indirect harm through property damage and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They may occasionally nibble on houseplants but rarely cause significant damage to living plants. Their primary impact is on paper goods, fabrics, and stored foods containing starches and carbohydrates.

Silverfish typically enter homes through small cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, or windows; openings around pipes and utility lines; attached garages or shared walls in multi-unit buildings; or in items brought into the home such as boxes, furniture, and books. They're attracted to environments with high humidity, available food sources, and undisturbed hiding places. Homes with moisture issues or those located in naturally humid climates are particularly susceptible to silverfish infestations.

Silverfish have a diverse diet centered around carbohydrates and proteins. They commonly consume paper and paper products (books, wallpaper, photographs); glue, paste, and bindings in books; starches (flour, oats, cereals); natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen); dead insects and their own shed skins; mold and fungi; cellulose materials; and sugars and artificial sweeteners. Their varied diet makes many household items potential food sources, contributing to their persistence once established.

Professional exterminators use a comprehensive approach that includes conducting thorough inspections to identify the extent of the infestation; applying targeted insecticides in cracks, crevices, and harborage areas; using dust formulations in wall voids and other inaccessible spaces; implementing moisture control strategies to make environments less hospitable; recommending structural modifications to eliminate entry points; providing guidance on storage and sanitation practices; and following up with monitoring and additional treatments as needed. This multi-faceted approach is more effective than DIY methods for established infestations.

No, silverfish do not bite humans or pets. They lack the mouthparts necessary to bite skin and are not aggressive toward people or animals. If you experience bites in areas where silverfish are present, another pest is likely responsible. Silverfish are primarily interested in consuming starchy materials and will quickly flee when disturbed rather than attempting to bite.