Insect · Low risk
Silverfish
The silverfish is a small wingless insect that scurries away the moment you turn on the light. Harmless to people, it nibbles paper, books, fabrics and starch in the damp corners of Quebec homes, often without being noticed.
10-12 MM · METALLIC SILVER GREY
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
Tapered, carrot-shaped body covered in shiny silver scales, three long filaments at the rear and two thin antennae. It wriggles very fast as it moves, like a fish, hence its name. No wings, no stinger, no bite.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
Bathrooms, basements, kitchens and attics: anywhere relative humidity exceeds 75 %. It hides behind baseboards, in cardboard boxes, in stacks of paper and near pipes. Active at night, it flees the light in a flash.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, the colony settles in for years: each adult lives a long time and lays eggs relentlessly.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Small irregular holes in paper, books or wallpaper
- Yellowish stains and fine silver scales on surfaces
- Tiny droppings that look like ground pepper
- Silver insects that scurry off when the lights come on
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Damage to books, photos, documents and wallpaper
- Holes in clothing and fabrics containing starch
- Minor contamination of dry foods (flour, cereal)
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Bring humidity below 50 % with a dehumidifier
- Seal cracks and baseboards in bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Store papers and clothing in airtight bins
- Vacuum dark corners and behind furniture regularly
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Full inspection to locate damp areas, hiding places and the extent of the infestation.
Preparation
Correction of humidity and sealing of entry points to remove the favourable conditions.
Treatment
Targeted treatment of baseboards, cracks and damp rooms with approved products.
Follow-up
Follow-up and verification after treatment to confirm lasting elimination.
§8Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Is the silverfish dangerous to people?
Why do I have silverfish in my home?
How do I get rid of silverfish?
Silverfish are a damp-basement problem: stone foundations in older neighbourhoods, half-basements, cellars of old houses. We correct the humidity before treating, which our technicians do in Longueuil, in Sherbrooke, in Granby and in Saint-Hyacinthe, as part of our pest control service.
Sources used for this fact sheet: Health Canada, silverfish and firebrats · Espace pour la vie, Montréal Insectarium · Canadian Conservation Institute · Ohio State University Extension.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.