Silverfish are the fishmoth species lepisma saccharina. These eight-legged insects have scales on their bodies that allow them to move in a quick, curving manner that resembles that of a fish. Silverfish have a silver or gray coloring, but some also have a brownish cast. Most silverfish are between 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) to 1 inch (25.4mm) in length and they have very long antennae as well as three thread-like protuberances from their lower bodies. Silverfish live outdoors in damp, rocky or moldy areas, but easily thrive indoors in humid rooms such as bathrooms and are considered urban pests.

Silverfish were native to tropical climates before spreading to damp, cooler regions. Female silverfish lay up to 50 eggs at once but only lay up to 100 eggs during their lifespan. The lifespan of a silverfish is generally between two and eight years. Silverfish have soft bodies and are wingless. They can climb rougher surfaces, but not usually slippery surfaces. They are sometimes found trapped in sinks and bathtubs.

In homes, silverfish tend to live behind baseboards around floors, or near plumbing and pipes in small cracks. Besides bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens or closets, silverfish can be found in crawlspaces and attics. Silverfish eggs are often in boxes of old clothing and books as silverfish eat the starch in fabrics and book paste. Silverfish are nocturnal insects and often prefer dark areas.

Vacuuming often, especially around baseboards, can help control the spread of silverfish in the home as it can eliminate the tiny eggs. Cracks and crevices around baseboards should be washed and dusted often to help reduce silverfish. Killing the eggs and removing the food sources of silverfish are the best ways of controlling them.

Traps can also be put in areas where silverfish have been seen. You can cover a small, open jar with masking or other fairly rough-textured tape. The silverfish will be able to climb into the jar, but not out of the jar due to the slippery surface of the inner glass. A damp newspaper rolled up into a hollow shape may also serve as a silverfish trap.

Diatomaceous earth, a powder made up of crushed algae-like organisms called diatoms, is found in many pesticides, but is not harmful to the environment and is non-toxic to humans and pets. You can buy diatomaceous earth inexpensively in bags at garden centers and sprinkle it around baseboards where you have seen silverfish. Be sure to wear a protective mask when working with the dust as any dust-like substance can irritate the eyes and nose when it is not yet settled.