If you’ve ever seen small, shiny gray insects scurrying away when you switch on the lights, you’ve likely encountered silverfish. These moisture-loving pests thrive in damp areas and feed on everyday household materials like paper, fabric, and glue. Reducing humidity and sealing up potential food sources can go a long way in keeping them under control.
In Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, & Arkansas, silverfish tend to become more active during the rainy season. Their presence often increases in fall and winter when indoor moisture levels stay high. While they don’t pose any threat to people or pets, their quick movements can still be unsettling.
When silverfish take over, Schendel Pest Services has the expertise to help. Our skilled technicians locate the root of the infestation and apply proven methods to prevent it from returning.

Recognizable by their sleek, metallic appearance, silverfish move with the same quick, darting motion as their aquatic namesake. They’re small, wingless insects that reach about three-quarters of an inch long, using their long antennae to navigate through dark and humid environments. Common hiding spots include basements, bathrooms, and storage rooms with little airflow.
Silverfish are well-suited to Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, & Arkansas’s damp climate, which allows them to live for several years under the right conditions. Their diet consists mainly of starchy materials like paper, fabrics, and glue, as well as wallpaper paste and other cellulose-based substances.
When you start noticing small holes or chew marks on clothing or paper, it’s a clear sign these pests are active. Silverfish will continue searching your home for moisture and sustenance unless controlled.
Silverfish are experts at finding their way inside. These tiny insects can slip through the smallest cracks around doors, windows, and foundations while searching for warmth and shelter. Once indoors, they’re drawn to damp, shadowy areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. In Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, & Arkansas, rainy weather and constant moisture provide the ideal environment for silverfish to flourish.
Because silverfish are nocturnal, they remain hidden throughout the day. They prefer cool, dark places like cracks, crevices, or behind furniture where they can stay undisturbed. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into spaces most other pests can’t, making detection even more difficult.
When night arrives, they emerge to feed and explore. Turn on a light suddenly, and you might see one dart across a wall or floor before vanishing again. Their fast, jerky movements make them both elusive and tough to eliminate.
Silverfish may be harmless to people, but they can quietly damage the things you value most. Their slender, flat bodies allow them to slip into tight hiding spots like drawers, boxes, and cracks around furniture. Once inside, they feed discreetly, leaving behind small holes or faint yellow marks on materials they’ve consumed. Lowering indoor moisture is one of the best ways to discourage them.
These insects are particularly drawn to paper and other starchy items. They feed on the glue in wallpaper, the paste in book bindings, and even the pages of old magazines or photo albums. Over time, their feeding can lead to visible wear or deterioration of these materials.
Silverfish also have an appetite for fabrics made of natural fibers. Clothing, linens, and documents stored in humid spaces are frequent targets. Keeping these areas dry and well-sealed can help you avoid future infestations.

To get rid of silverfish, the first step is to create an environment they don’t enjoy. Keeping humidity under control, especially in bathrooms and basements, can make a big difference. Regular home maintenance helps prevent infestations from taking hold. Silverfish are often attracted indoors by things such as:
Stop silverfish from taking up residence in your home by sealing gaps in walls, foundations, and siding. Remove standing water and clear away yard debris. These simple preventive steps are effective because silverfish feed on a wide range of household materials:

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Seasonal changes in Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, & Arkansas can drive pests indoors, seeking warmth and shelter throughout the year. You don’t have to handle them on your own. Schendel Pest Services provides a comprehensive, year-round pest protection program to keep common household pests under control.
Our professional exterminators start with a thorough inspection to identify active infestations. From there, we develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate existing pests and prevent future ones. Partnering with Schendel Pest Services ensures expert care and helps seal entry points to reduce pest activity. Our services include:
When silverfish problems exceed what home solutions can handle, professional help becomes essential. In Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, & Arkansas, areas with high humidity often see repeat infestations. Addressing the problem promptly can save your home and belongings from ongoing damage.
Schendel Pest Services offers dedicated silverfish control services. Their experts employ proven strategies to eliminate infestations quickly and thoroughly. Afterward, your home will be pest-free, and you’ll receive guidance on how to prevent future silverfish issues.
Stop silverfish before they cause damage. Call Schendel Pest Services for a no-cost consultation.
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