What Do Silverfish Look Like?

If you spot a small bug crawling across your floor, it can be tough to know exactly what it is. What do silverfish look like? Was it a silverfish bug or something else? There are several other bugs that look like silverfish, and we'll show you the difference. Many household pests are similar in size and behaviour, but knowing the difference is key to using the right removal methods. We’ll help you tell silverfish apart from other common household insects so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

• Size: 1/2 to 3/4 inch long
• Colour: Silvery-grey, shiny, and metallic
• Body: Tapered from head to tail, like a teardrop
• Movement: Fast, wriggly, and darting like a fish
• Wings: None
• Antennae: Long and thin, with three tail-like appendages

They’re nocturnal and prefer cool, dark places like bathrooms, basements, and closets.

Silverfish vs. Firebrats

Firebrats are often confused with silverfish, but there are subtle differences:

• Appearance: Firebrats are darker, mottled brown or grey with more speckled patterns
• Habitat: Prefer hotter areas like near furnaces or water heaters
• Behaviour: Move similarly, but are less common in cooler homes

Control methods are similar, but firebrats need hotter environments to thrive.

Silverfish vs. Centipedes

• Centipedes have many legs (up to 30 or more), while silverfish have 6 legs and 3 tail-like appendages
• Centipedes are more likely to bite (though rarely dangerous)
• Centipedes can be beneficial because they eat other bugs, including silverfish
• Centipedes tend to move in a wave-like motion with clearly visible legs

Silverfish vs. Carpet Beetles

• Carpet beetles are small, oval, and dark with speckled patterns (not silver)
• They have wings and can fly, unlike silverfish
• Larvae are fuzzy and cause the most damage
• Found near fabric, carpets, and stored clothing

Carpet beetles eat similar items to silverfish, so damage signs can overlap.

Silverfish vs. Earwigs

• Earwigs have pincers on their rear and a segmented body
• They are reddish-brown or dark brown in colour
• Unlike silverfish, they may be found in gardens and outside during summer
• Earwigs move slower and are bulkier in shape

While earwigs may look scarier, they rarely cause indoor infestations.

Silverfish vs. Cockroach Nymphs

• Nymphs (young cockroaches) can resemble silverfish due to size and colour
• Nymphs are usually brown and have no wings yet
• They move more erratically and are often found near food or in kitchens
• Silverfish avoid bright light, while roaches may scatter when exposed

Why Proper Identification Matters

Using the wrong control methods can waste time and money. For example:

• Silverfish prefer dry bait traps, while carpet beetles may need vacuuming and fabric treatment
• Centipedes don’t require extermination unless in large numbers
• Roaches require stronger, kitchen-safe treatments

Correct identification helps you choose the right traps, cleaning routine, and repellents.

Silverfish have a distinct look and movement that sets them apart from other bugs, but they can still be confused with similar pests like firebrats, carpet beetles, and roach nymphs. By learning the differences, you can act faster and more effectively to remove the right pest from your home.

Check out our article on some of silverfish’s favourite snacks to eat, paper and cardboard, and how to protect your books and documents from damage.