Silverfish

Silverfish are teardrop-shaped, wingless insects about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long with a distinctive silvery-gray metallic sheen. They have three long, thread-like tail appendages (cerci) at the rear and two long antennae at the front. Their bodies are covered in tiny scales that give them their characteristic shimmer. They move in a rapid, fish-like wriggling motion, especially when disturbed. Silverfish are often confused with firebrats, a closely related species that prefers warmer habitats.

Silverfish are nocturnal and fast-moving, so you may rarely see them directly. Look for irregular holes or surface feeding marks on paper, wallpaper, book bindings, and cardboard. You may notice tiny pepper-like fecal droppings or yellowish stains on fabric and paper. Shed skins are another sign — silverfish molt throughout their lives, and translucent cast skins accumulate in harborage areas like bookcases, closets, and storage boxes.

Here in Myrtle Beach, MBPC applies residual insecticidal dust in wall voids, attic spaces, and behind baseboards where silverfish harbor. Targeted crack-and-crevice treatments around bathrooms, kitchens, and storage areas address active populations. Sticky traps are placed for monitoring. Because silverfish thrive in our humid, subtropical coastal environment, moisture reduction through improved ventilation, dehumidification, and leak repair is a critical component of long-term control. Jake Thompson and the MBPC team are licensed by the SC Department of Agriculture and trained to handle silverfish infestations effectively.

Reduce indoor humidity below 60% using dehumidifiers, especially in basements and crawlspaces common in Myrtle Beach, SC homes. Fix all plumbing leaks promptly to combat the area's natural humidity. Store books, documents, and photographs in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. Vacuum regularly in closets, along baseboards, and behind bookshelves to remove food sources and eggs. Consider professional pest control services from MBPC to create a barrier against silverfish entry.

Silverfish prefer dark, humid environments with temperatures between 70-80 degrees F. They are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, laundry rooms, and behind wallpaper. They feed on starchy materials including book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, cardboard, cotton, linen, and even dried foods like flour and oats. In the Myrtle Beach, SC area's warm, humid subtropical climate, silverfish are a persistent year-round concern, particularly in older homes, vacation properties, and homes near the salt marshes and tidal creeks that may sit unoccupied for periods.

Peak activity: Year-round