Silverfish Control Services in Northeast Ohio
Silverfish: Identification, Risks & Professional Control
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that thrive in humid, dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. Recognizable by their silvery scales and wriggling, fish-like movement, silverfish can be a serious nuisance in Northeast Ohio homes. They feed on paper, fabrics, and starchy materials, making them destructive to books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food.
At DHS Pest Control, we provide expert silverfish inspections, targeted treatments, and long-term prevention strategies to keep your home protected.
Quick Facts About Silverfish
- Common species in Ohio: Lepisma saccharina (Silverfish).
- Appearance: Silvery-gray, teardrop-shaped, with long antennae and bristle-like tails.
- Size: ½–¾ inch long.
- Habitat: Damp, dark spaces like bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens.
- Diet: Paper, books, glue, fabrics, wallpaper paste, cereals, and other starchy or sugary substances.
- Risks: Property damage; contamination of stored goods.
How to Identify a Silverfish Infestation
Signs include:
- Sightings: Spotting small, silvery insects darting quickly at night.
- Damage: Irregular holes, notches, or surface etching on books, papers, wallpaper, and cardboard.
- Yellow stains & droppings: Small pepper-like fecal droppings near infested areas.
- Shed skins: Molted exoskeletons in damp corners, closets, or storage areas.
Why Silverfish Are a Problem in Northeast Ohio
- Moisture-dependent: Silverfish thrive in homes with high humidity.
- Hidden infestations: Often go unnoticed until damage to books, clothing, or food packaging is visible.
- Property damage: Can destroy personal belongings, paper archives, and wallpaper.
- Allergy potential: Shed skins and droppings may contribute to indoor allergens.
DHS Pest Control’s Silverfish Inspection Process
- Full property evaluation — Identifying silverfish harborage zones such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and storage areas.
- Moisture assessment — Locating sources of excess humidity and leaks.
- Activity monitoring — Detecting feeding damage and droppings.
- Customized treatment plan — Tailored to the severity of the infestation and your property’s needs.
Professional Silverfish Control & Treatment Methods
Our proven approach includes:
- Targeted treatments: Safe and effective insecticides in cracks, crevices, and silverfish hiding places.
- Moisture reduction: Addressing leaks, ventilation, and humidity issues.
- Exclusion strategies: Sealing entry points around windows, foundations, and baseboards.
- Integrated pest management (IPM): Addressing underlying conditions and implementing long-term prevention.
- Follow-up treatments: Ensuring silverfish populations are completely eliminated.
DIY Tips: How to Reduce Silverfish Activity
- Reduce humidity: Use dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and attics.
- Fix plumbing leaks: Stop water sources that attract silverfish.
- Store items properly: Keep books, papers, and clothing in sealed containers.
- Vacuum frequently: Remove food crumbs, dust, and shed skins.
- Seal cracks: Prevent entry through foundations and gaps in walls.
What to Expect During & After Treatment
- Inspection time: 30–60 minutes depending on property size.
- Treatment duration: 45–90 minutes depending on infestation level.
- Results: Noticeable reduction in silverfish activity within days.
- Safety: All treatments are safe for children and pets when professionally applied.
Health & Safety Considerations
Silverfish are not harmful to humans directly but can damage property, contaminate food, and worsen allergies. DHS Pest Control uses EPA-approved products designed to eliminate infestations while keeping your household safe.
Long-Term Silverfish Prevention Strategies
- Schedule regular inspections with DHS Pest Control.
- Keep humidity low with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
- Seal entry points around your foundation, doors, and windows.
- Store important papers, fabrics, and food in airtight containers.
- Clean and declutter storage areas regularly.
Why Choose DHS Pest Control?
- Local expertise: Experienced in silverfish behavior and infestations in Northeast Ohio.
- Thorough solutions: Address both silverfish and contributing environmental factors.
- Family- and pet-safe treatments.
- Trusted reputation: Serving homeowners in Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and surrounding areas.
- Personalized care: Tailored treatment plans designed for long-term results.
Service Areas
We proudly serve Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Strongsville, Canton, Akron, Massillon, Wooster, Millersburg, Mansfield, Ashland, Loudonville, Youngstown, Medina, Hudson, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are silverfish dangerous to humans?
A: No, they do not bite or spread disease but can cause significant property damage.
Q: Why are silverfish in my bathroom or basement?
A: These pests prefer humid, dark, and damp spaces with plenty of hiding spots.
Q: What do silverfish eat?
A: They feed on starchy and sugary materials like paper, fabrics, glue, and cereal.
Q: Can I get rid of silverfish on my own?
A: While DIY methods may reduce numbers, professional treatments are necessary for complete control.
Contact Us Today!
Protect your home from destructive silverfish. Contact DHS Pest Control today for expert silverfish extermination and prevention services in Northeast Ohio.
- Phone: 330-201-4977
DHS completed a VA refinance pest inspection for us and they were able to schedule us quickly, were efficient, respectful and knowledgeable. I will be recommending them to our friends and family. Excellent service.
Response from the owner 19:04 03 Oct 25
Hey Elizabeth! We're really happy to hear about your experience with our pest inspection service. It’s wonderful knowing everything went smoothly, and we appreciate your recommendation!
DHS Pest Control is absolutely outstanding! From the moment I called, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about solving my problem. The technician arrived right on time, explained everything in detail, and made sure I felt comfortable with the process. Their knowledge and attention to detail gave me complete confidence, and the results speak for themselves.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
They took care of my bee problem and were very quick about it! Much appreciated!
Response from the owner 14:10 13 Aug 25
Thank you for the nice review. Please let us know if we can assist you in future pest issues!
We called with a bald-faced hornet and yellow jacket problem and they came out same day and took care of everything for us. Super professional, great customer service, very reasonable pricing.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
Response from the owner 21:34 18 Aug 25
Hey Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad we could help resolve the issue quickly and that you were pleased with our service and pricing. Hopefully you won’t need pest control again anytime soon, but if you do, we’ll be ready to help right away.
Very happy with the service from DHS Pest Control. Trent and Lonnie were very thorough about making sure our yellow jacket problem was taken care of. The pricing was affordable and I was not charged for the follow up. I will definitely be using DHS Pest Control for any future needs!
Response from the owner 01:35 02 Aug 25
Thank you so much for the nice review Kimberly!
Very professional and friendly.we had such a bed bug problem we didn't think it could be solved.trent and his crew,who are a family business come in and got it taken care of faster and better than we could have ever hoped.i can't imagine anyone better
Response from the owner 18:16 07 Jul 25
Hi Eric! We're so glad to hear our team could tackle your bed bug issue quickly and effectively. We take pride in delivering dependable service, and it means a lot to know we made a difference for you.
I would like to give a huge shout out to Trent from DHS Pest Control. I was faced with a Carpenter Ant problem that caused significant damage to my sunroom. I called Trent at 12:55pm about my issue. He was on a job an hour away. He said he could be at my house when he was finished his current job. He arrived at my home in a timely fashion. He was polite, professional, and understanding of my situation. He did a thorough inspection of the inside, outside and basement of my home. Then he got to work treating the property. His price was extremely reasonable. If after 30 days I see any Carpenter Ants he will come back and treat the property for no charge. Where can you get a better deal than that? I highly recommend Trent Koller and his company.
Response from the owner 16:35 16 Jun 25
Hey Lee Ann! I'm really glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with me handling your Carpenter Ant issue. It's great knowing that the service and pricing left you satisfied, and I'm here if you need any further assistance in the future.
Trent and his Nephew did a Great job! Very informative and professional! Explained everything well and worked diligently! Was very happy with service!!!!😁
Response from the owner 16:23 27 May 25
Hi Barbara! I’m thrilled to hear you were happy with how everything went. We always aim to be informative and professional, so it's great to know it made a difference.
I highly highly recommend Trent. He is very professional and diligent. No stone left unturned! He's also great to work with.
Response from the owner 16:46 19 May 25
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! I truly appreciate your support and am glad I could provide the level of service you were looking for. It was a pleasure working with you!
Very polite and professional. Did a great job. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 20:28 15 May 25
Thank you Joan🙂