What Do Silverfish Eat?

What Do Silverfish Eat? Foods That Attract Them

Silverfish might be small, but they have big appetites especially for starchy, sugary, and protein-rich materials. If you’ve seen these tiny, fast-moving silverfish bugs in your home, you might be wondering what exactly is attracting them. We’ll dive into what do silverfish eat, where they find food in your house, and how to reduce or eliminate their food sources to keep them away for good.

The Silverfish Diet: What They Love Most

Silverfish are scavengers. They feed on materials that contain starches, sugars, or protein even in small traces. Here’s a breakdown of their favourite foods:

  • Silverfish LOVE to eat Paper: Books, newspapers, envelopes, and paper towels
  • Cardboard: Boxes, packaging, and storage materials
  • Glue and paste: Found in book bindings, wallpaper, and stamps
  • Fabric: Cotton, linen, silk, and items with food stains or sweat
  • Dry food: Flour, oats, cereal, and pet food
  • Dead insects: Including their own kind (yes, they’re cannibalistic)
  • Hair and skin flakes: Found in dust, carpets, and behind furniture

Where They Find Food in Your Home

Silverfish are nocturnal and love to explore dark, undisturbed areas. These common household spots provide both food and shelter:

  • Bookshelves and drawers
  • Pantries and dry food storage
  • Closets with clothing or fabric storage
  • Under bathroom and kitchen sinks
  • Basements, attics, and crawlspaces
  • Boxes and bins stored on floors

They often chew holes, leave behind yellow stains, or shed skin near food sources.

What Foods Attract Silverfish the Most?

1. Starchy Foods

Silverfish love anything high in starch. This includes:

  • Flour, rice, pasta
  • Potato flakes or instant mashed potatoes
  • Oatmeal and grains
  • Paper-based food packaging

2. Sugary Substances

  • Breakfast cereals
  • Crumbs from baked goods
  • Spills of sugar, honey, or syrup

3. Proteins and Organic Debris

  • Dead insects or spiders
  • Pet hair or dander
  • Skin flakes and hair in carpets

How to Cut Off Their Food Supply

  • Keep dry foods in sealed, airtight containers
  • Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly
  • Clean behind furniture, shelves, and appliances
  • Store paper and books off the floor and in clean, dry areas
  • Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
  • Declutter closets and rotate stored fabrics

Reducing access to food makes your home less inviting to silverfish and helps eliminate infestations faster.

Common Mistakes That Help Feed Silverfish

  • Leaving cereal or flour bags unsealed: Easy access for pests
  • Using cardboard storage in damp areas: Food and nesting combined
  • Storing books or photos in humid basements: Perfect snack conditions
  • Letting pet food sit out overnight: Not just for pets anymore

Being mindful of these habits can go a long way in preventing silverfish trouble.

Bonus Tip: Use Their Diet Against Them

You can actually use their favourite foods to trap silverfish. Try one of these bait methods:

  • Jar trap: Fill a small glass jar with oats or flour and wrap the outside in masking tape. Silverfish climb in but can’t get out.
  • Sticky trap: Place a drop of honey or sugar on a sticky surface to lure and trap them.
  • Borax bait: Mix sugar and borax to attract and kill them naturally (keep away from pets and kids).

Silverfish aren’t picky, but they do have a clear preference for starchy, sugary, and protein-rich materials, many of which are easy to find in the average home. By knowing what silverfish like to eat and where they find food, you can make smarter choices to keep your home clean, protected, and less appealing to these unwanted guests.

Next time you see a silverfish, remember: they’re not just passing through, they’re looking for a snack. Cut off the buffet, and they’ll be far less interested in sticking around.

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Kind Words And Thank Yous

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I had no idea silverfish were so hard to get rid of. Don’s advice was clear, practical, and actually worked. The borax trick alone was a game-changer. Highly recommend this site to anyone dealing with these creepy little bugs.

— Jessica M., Victoria, BC

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We’ve lived in our home for over 10 years, and silverfish kept coming back every winter. Following the guide here helped us finally figure out the moisture issue and seal up the problem spots. Thanks Don!

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— Karen S., Ottawa, ON

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