Take Back Your Home & Yard From Pesky Silverfish
What actually works in the Treasure Valley
In Boise–Meridian–Nampa, silverfish thrive where humidity + cellulose meet—think crawlspaces, baseboard gaps, cardboard in garages, and warm utility rooms. Our approach pairs source reduction (paper/cardboard, fabric and stored pantry goods) with precise crack-and-crevice applications in runways they actually use: baseboard edges, closet perimeters, shelving seams, and plumbing/utility penetrations. We inspect for moisture drivers (leaky valves, over-humid bathrooms, unvented dryer lines) and tighten those up. Most homes see fewer sightings within 1–2 weeks, with quarterly touch-ups holding the line through hot, dry summers and fall migrations toward indoor moisture.
How we solve silverfish
- Inspect: closets, garages, crawl/attic access, bathrooms, utility rooms
- Place monitors to map traffic along baseboards/shelving seams
- Targeted crack-and-crevice treatments (edges, voids, penetrations)
- Treat harborages behind toe-kicks, water heaters, laundry areas
- Moisture notes: bath fans, dryer venting, pipe wraps, crawl humidity
- Follow-up as needed; adjust placements and remove spent monitors
Before we arrive
- Bag or tote loose papers/cardboard off floors (garage/closets)
- Clear 6–12" along baseboards where you’ve seen activity
- Fix obvious drips; run bath fans during/after showers this week
- Note hotspots (linen closet, pantry, under sinks, near water heater)
After we treat
- Avoid mopping edges/baseboards for 24 hours
- Store keepsakes/fabric in sealed totes; replace damp cardboard with plastic
- Keep bathrooms vented; check dryer vent for kinks/leaks
- Expect sightings to taper in 7–14 days; share photos if activity persists
Signs you may have silverfish (quick check)
- Paper/cardboard with irregular, scraped edges or tiny pepper-like specks
- Quick, darting insects along baseboards at night
- Activity near warm + humid spots: water heater, laundry, bathrooms
- Small, powdery frass behind books or in closets
Why they show up here
Irrigation culture and seasonal swings push humidity into garages, crawlspaces, and bathrooms. Paper storage (moving boxes, holiday décor, archived files) gives silverfish both cover and food. Tight sealing and simple storage swaps (plastic vs cardboard) make a big, fast difference.
Silverfish are one of the most common pests around Idaho. While they don’t typically bite or sting, they can be a nuisance. Here are some of the problems silverfish bring to Boise area homes.
- Damage to Personal Items: Silverfish can eat through many materials, including paper, clothing, upholstery, and stored food. They can also eat glue from wallpaper, book bindings, carpets, curtains, and furniture coverings. Signs of damage include holes, etchings, notches, and yellow stains.
- Contaminated Food: Silverfish can leave droppings in food containers, contaminating the food. If you see silverfish in or near food, you should throw it away.
- Allergies: While they don’t spread diseases, silverfish can trigger allergies in some people.
Fast-Acting Silverfish Control in Boise & the Treasure Valley
There should be no silverfish in your house. Some pests can cause major harm to your property and pose a risk of biting you, your family, and your pets. Collaborate with a seasoned Boise pest management business to take back control of your home.
Service area includes Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, and Garden City.
Pestcom Pest Management
16201 N 20th St, Suite 110, Nampa, ID 83687
Call: (208) 795-3298 • Mon–Fri 8–5
Office: Nampa, ID • Counties Served: Ada • Canyon • Owyhee • Payette • Gem • Malheur
Licensing: All services performed by Idaho State Department of Agriculture–licensed technicians; continuing education hours maintained with ISDA.
How Do We Exterminate Silverfish?
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Same-Day Silverfish InspectionOur technicians know a lot about silverfish infestations. We’ve applied silverfish removal treatments to hundreds of homes in Meridian, Eagle, and around the Boise area. We know how to spot the signs of silverfish immediately and where to find the source of the infestation. We will visit your home to search for:
- Possible infestation locations in the kitchen, bathroom, patio, and even in the walls.
- Signs of silverfish, such as droppings and shed skins or nests outside the home.
- Potential entry points for silverfish, including cracks in the walls and foundation, or trees overlapping the home.
We complete a full inspection to understand the extent of the problem.
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Silverfish Treatment & Removal
We stop the infestation in its tracks by exterminating all traces of silverfish in your home. Our treatments are tough on insects, but safe for your family and pets. This is what you can expect on the day of treatment:
- Our technicians come to your home at a time that is convenient for you, and they immediately get to work.
- We apply the necessary treatments to the infested areas of the home or yard.
- We inspect the infected areas to make sure every single silverfish is eliminated.
We use the most effective treatments in order to completely remove silverfish from your home. Our silverfish treatments are tough on pests but safe for your family and pets.
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Silverfish Preventative Treatments
Now that the silverfish are gone from your Boise home, we make sure they never come back! To ensure that your home will be protected in the future, our technicians will do the following:
- Apply treatments in strategic locations to create a barrier around your home that keeps silverfish out.
- Make recommendations to reduce the chance of an infestation, including sealing food containers and keeping surfaces clean.
- Return for regular treatments as necessary.
We want to make sure you never have to see silverfish around your home again!
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Silverfish in Boise, ID
Silverfish can be found just about anywhere. They thrive inside and outside — in cold environments and hot ones. And they are located in nearly every corner of the planet, including Idaho.
There are only four species of silverfish found in the United States. Just two are found in Idaho. They are:
- Gray silverfish. Gray silverfish are known for their silvery-gray color and prefer dark, damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Firebrat. Although less common than the gray silverfish, firebrats can also be found in Idaho. They are similar in appearance to silverfish but have a mottled gray-brown coloration and prefer warmer, drier environments compared to silverfish.
You can find silverfish in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, yard, or even in the walls of your home. Our team of Boise-based pest technicians are experts in silverfish control. We know where silverfish like to hide and how to get rid of them quickly. If you are experiencing silverfish problems or if you want to avoid silverfish from invading your property, give Pestcom a call.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 208-795-3298 today!
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Do you monitor after it’s resolved?Yes - monitoring and rechecks can be added, especially for canal-adjacent lots, open-field edges, or foothill neighborhoods.
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How many visits are typical?Initial setup + 1-2 follow-ups resolves most homes; severe cases may require additional checks and sealing.
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Will I need interior service or just exterior for rodents?We service both - interior where activity is present and exterior to stop new entry and pressure.
