Silverfish, handled
Silverfish follow moisture, so we treat where they live and help you dry out the spots that keep drawing them back.
Covered on every plan.
Silverfish are a standard household pest on all our recurring plans.
Treated inside and out.
We inspect, treat problem rooms and keep an exterior barrier in place.
Free re-service.
If they show up between visits, we come back at no charge.
Silverfish in Kansas City homes turn up in tubs, basements and bookshelves, and they’re a moisture problem as much as a bug problem. They don’t bite or spread disease, but they can damage paper, books and stored fabrics. Silverfish are covered on all of our home pest control plans.
This page covers how we treat them. If you want the basics first, read what silverfish are and where they come from.
What do silverfish look like?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects about 1/2 inch long with a silvery, carrot shaped body and three tail bristles. They move with a quick, wiggling motion, a lot like a fish.
They hide during the day and come out at night. Most people spot them in a bathtub, sink or basement after flipping on a light.
Why are silverfish in my Kansas City home?
Silverfish move in for humidity and food. They thrive in damp, dark areas and feed on starches like paper, book bindings, glue, cardboard and some fabrics.
Basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms and attics are the usual hot spots. Our post on why silverfish are in your house goes deeper on causes.
How do we treat silverfish in Kansas City homes?
We treat silverfish with an inspection, interior treatment in the rooms where they live and an exterior barrier to stop new ones from coming in. Every treatment is matched to your home’s layout, pests and season.
On each visit, our tech will:
- Inspect your home, yard and entry points.
- Treat bathrooms, basements and other damp areas where needed.
- Apply an exterior barrier around the foundation.
- Check for new activity and email you a report.
Allow 10 to 14 days for products to work. Some activity right after treatment is normal. If silverfish keep showing up after that, call and we’ll re-service for free.
What can I do to keep silverfish away?
Cutting moisture is the most important step, and it’s the part in your hands. Humid basements are where silverfish in Kansas City homes do best. Treatment works far better in a dry home.
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets and drains.
- Use bathroom fans during and after showers.
- Store books, papers and photos in sealed plastic bins, not cardboard.
- Keep boxes off basement floors.
Wondering about damage? Our post on whether silverfish are harmful explains what they can and can’t hurt.
Moisture draws more than silverfish. See our guides to booklice and springtails.
Seeing silverfish in your home? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, silverfish are covered on every Rock Pest recurring home pest control plan. Free re-service between scheduled visits is included if they come back.
No, silverfish don’t bite, sting or spread disease. They can damage paper, books, wallpaper and some stored fabrics.
Silverfish come from damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms and attics. They often travel in on boxes and move toward humidity and starchy food.
Allow 10 to 14 days for products to work, and expect some activity right after treatment. Lowering humidity in your home speeds things up.
Yes, a dehumidifier helps because silverfish need humid air to survive. Pairing a drier basement with regular treatment gives the best results.
