Pest Library
Silverfish & Earwigs
Silverfish and earwigs are both drawn to moisture, and Southwest Florida's humidity gives them plenty of opportunity to find their way indoors. Silverfish feed on paper, glue, and starchy materials and tend to show up in basements, bathrooms, and storage areas, while earwigs prefer damp mulch, leaf litter, and other organic debris before wandering inside through small gaps. Neither poses a direct danger to people, but large numbers indoors are usually a sign of excess moisture that's worth addressing alongside treatment.
About Silverfish & Earwigs
Silverfish and earwigs are both drawn to moisture, and Southwest Florida's humidity gives them plenty of opportunity to find their way indoors. Silverfish feed on paper, glue, and starchy materials and tend to show up in basements, bathrooms, and storage areas, while earwigs prefer damp mulch, leaf litter, and other organic debris before wandering inside through small gaps. Neither poses a direct danger to people, but large numbers indoors are usually a sign of excess moisture that's worth addressing alongside treatment.
Signs of Silverfish & Earwigs Infestation
- Small, silvery, carrot-shaped insects darting away when disturbed (silverfish)
- Dark, pincer-tailed insects found in damp mulch, under debris, or indoors near moisture (earwigs)
- Irregular holes or yellow staining on paper, book bindings, wallpaper, or fabric
- Insects most often found in bathrooms, basements, and other consistently humid rooms
- Damp or musty-smelling areas where either pest tends to gather
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment starts with an inspection of the damp, humid areas where silverfish and earwigs commonly gather, followed by treatment of entry points and harborage areas around the home's exterior. We also apply targeted treatment indoors in bathrooms, storage areas, and other moisture-prone spaces where these pests are most active. Because both pests are drawn to excess moisture, reducing humidity around the home is an important part of keeping them from coming back.
Ready to get rid of silverfish & earwigs for good? See our silverfish & earwig control page for full details.
Prevention Tips
- Fix leaks and reduce standing moisture in bathrooms, basements, and under sinks
- Run a dehumidifier or exhaust fan in consistently damp rooms
- Clear damp mulch, leaf litter, and organic debris from around the foundation
- Store paper goods, cardboard, and fabric off the floor and away from damp areas
- Seal small gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations
Silverfish & Earwigs FAQs
Are silverfish or earwigs dangerous?
No, neither bites or stings people, but they can damage paper, fabric, and stored items, and their presence often signals a moisture problem worth addressing.
Why do I keep finding them in my bathroom?
Both pests are drawn to humidity and moisture, and bathrooms tend to have the dampest conditions in the house, making them a common gathering spot.
What do silverfish actually eat?
Silverfish feed on paper, glue, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and starchy materials, which is why damaged paper or fabric is often the first sign of an infestation.
How can I keep them from coming back?
Reducing moisture — fixing leaks, running a dehumidifier or exhaust fan, and clearing damp debris from around your home's foundation — goes a long way alongside regular treatment.