Silver Fish
- Scientific Name:
- Lepisma saccharina
- Size:
- 12 to 19 mm
- Color:
- Silvery-gray to brownish, with a carrot-shaped body
- Danger Level:
- Low — doesn't bite or sting, but damages paper, fabric, and books
Identification
Silverfish are wingless, carrot-shaped insects with a metallic silvery-gray sheen and a distinctive wriggling, fish-like way of moving — which is exactly where the name comes from. They're nocturnal and avoid light, so most homeowners notice them by the damage they leave rather than the insect itself: irregular holes or notches in paper, book bindings, wallpaper glue, and cardboard.
They feed on starches and cellulose, which puts stored documents, book collections, and cardboard boxes at risk in a way most other household pests don't.
Why Silver Fish Are a Problem in Arizona
Silverfish need humidity to survive, so in a desert climate they concentrate in the handful of consistently damp spots a home has — bathrooms, under sinks, laundry rooms, and storage areas near water heaters or evaporative cooling equipment. A finished basement or an older home with plumbing leaks can be especially attractive to them.
Because they're most active at night and hide well during the day, a silverfish problem is often more established than it looks by the time it's noticed.
What to Expect From Legacy
Inspection of bathrooms, laundry areas, and other consistently humid spots
Treatment targeting hiding spots, not just visible activity
Recommendations on reducing moisture and humidity where practical
Follow-up if activity continues in storage areas or closets
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