Silverfish are small, nocturnal insects, generally under one inch in length.  Somewhat similar in appearance to earwigs, silverfish usually have a more tapered body with long antennae and what look like pincers at its back.  Silverfish have no wings, and avoid light, making them somewhat difficult to find.  In a residence, they will most likely be located in highly humid areas that are rarely exposed to the light, such as in attics, basements, under sinks, or in crevasses and corners of bathrooms.

Silverfish commonly damage to textiles and paper products, including books and clothing. They also are known to contaminate food, although they do not carry disease and are not considered any threat to humans. The destructive behavior they exhibit leads to them being very undesirable in a home, as they can cause significant damage over time and have long lifespans.