Global Silverfish Hotspots: Where Do Silverfish Come From?
Silverfish may be small, but they’re surprisingly successful insects. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they thrive in homes, libraries, storage facilities, and commercial buildings that create the perfect silverfish habitat. But where do silverfish come from, and where in the world are silverfish most common? They are a worldwide pest and have different names across the globe such as zilvervisjes in the Netherlands and silverfisk in Sweden. We explore the global distribution of silverfish and what environmental conditions allow them to thrive.
Where Do Silverfish Come From?
Silverfish often come from the outdoors, sneaking into your home through tiny cracks and crevices, especially in damp or humid weather. Once inside, they head straight for dark, moist environments where they can hide and feed in peace. They're especially fond of places like basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and attics. You might not even notice them at first because they’re fast, quiet, and nocturnal but if they find a food source, they’ll stick around and multiply.
- Cracks and gaps around doors and windows: Silverfish can easily wiggle their way through tiny entry points in search of food and shelter.
- Moisture-rich areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms with high humidity attract silverfish like magnets.
- Cardboard boxes and old storage: If you bring in stored items from garages, sheds, or basements, you might accidentally carry silverfish inside.
- Ventilation and utility openings: Gaps around plumbing or electrical wiring often serve as hidden entry routes for these pests.
Even if your home is clean, if it’s humid and has dark hiding spots, silverfish can still find it cozy enough to settle in. That’s why spotting even one is often a sign of more nearby.
What Silverfish Need to Survive
- Warmth: Ideal temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F)
- Moisture: Relative humidity of 70% or higher is preferred
- Darkness: Silverfish avoid sunlight and bright lights
- Food sources: Starches, sugars, paper, glue, and fabric
Any environment whether natural or man-made that meets these conditions can attract silverfish.
Regions Where Silverfish Are Common
1. North America
In the U.S. and Canada, silverfish are widespread. They are especially common in:
- The southern west coast of Canada, where rainfall is common during winter months
- The southeastern U.S., where humidity is high year-round
- Older homes with poor ventilation
- Urban areas with dense housing and aging infrastructure
2. Europe
Silverfish are commonly found across Europe, including the UK, Germany, and France. Damp climates and centuries-old buildings provide ideal silverfish habitats.
3. Australia
Warm, humid areas like Queensland and New South Wales see frequent silverfish issues. Air-conditioned buildings can also trap moisture, encouraging infestations.
4. Asia
High humidity regions in Southeast Asia (like Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of India) provide perfect conditions for silverfish, especially in tropical climates.
5. South America and Africa
While less studied, silverfish are present in warmer regions of these continents, particularly in homes with high indoor humidity and limited pest control infrastructure.
Types of Buildings That Attract Silverfish
- Homes: Especially those with bathrooms, basements, and cluttered storage areas
- Libraries and archives: Silverfish feed on paper and book glue
- Hotels and rentals: High turnover and inconsistent cleaning can invite pests
- Warehouses: Cardboard boxes and stored fabrics are prime feeding zones
Even new buildings aren’t immune if moisture control is poor.
Climate and Seasonal Patterns
Silverfish activity tends to spike during certain seasons and under specific climate conditions:
- Spring and summer bring warmth and higher humidity
- Rainy seasons create damp indoor spaces
- Winter activity may occur indoors in heated, humid rooms
Once indoors, silverfish can survive year-round if the conditions remain suitable.
Urban vs. Rural Environments
Silverfish are more common in urban environments due to:
- Older construction and plumbing systems
- Higher population density and shared walls between homes
- More storage spaces, libraries, and rental properties
However, rural homes with moisture problems can still be affected.
Why Are Some Homes More Affected?
- Poor ventilation and lack of air circulation
- Unsealed entry points and foundation gaps
- Excess paper clutter and cardboard storage
- Minimal cleaning in corners, behind furniture, or in storage areas
Silverfish are experts at finding unnoticed spaces to settle and once established, they’re tough to remove without a plan.
Silverfish are a global pest with simple needs: warmth, moisture, darkness, and a food source. Whether you live in a tropical climate or a cool city with a damp basement, your home could become a hotspot. Understanding where and why silverfish thrive can help you better protect your space, no matter where you live.
Pull everything together in a complete silverfish removal checklist so you can take action step-by-step.