What’s the Difference Between Silverfish and Earwigs?

Silverfish and earwigs are two common household pests that, in reality, don’t have much in common at all. Although they both creep and crawl, they’re actually quite different in their appearance, characteristics, diet, and habitat. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can identify—and deal with—each one confidently. Learn more about silverfish vs. earwigs.

What Are the Differences Between Silverfish and Earwigs?

Before you reach for the bug spray, take a closer look—this quick comparison table highlights the key differences that can help you tell them apart at a glance, no magnifying glass required.

Silverfish vs Earwigs: Differences in Appearance

Though both bugs may send you scrambling, silverfish and earwigs have distinct traits that set them apart. From size to shape and color, see how the two pesky pests differ in appearance. 

Size

Silverfish are typically about ½ to ¾ inches long, with slender, flat bodies and long antennae. Earwigs are usually larger, ranging from ½ to 1 inch or more, and have a thicker, segmented body. While both are small and fast-moving, earwigs tend to look bulkier and more noticeable than the sleeker, more delicate silverfish. 

Color

As their name suggests, silverfish have a silver-gray or metallic hue, while earwigs are typically dark or reddish brown with a dull, hard shell. Knowing their color differences alone can help you differentiate the two. 

Shape

Earwigs have a more elongated, segmented body with noticeable pincers (forceps) at the rear, which are curved in males and straighter in females. In contrast, silverfish have a long, flat, and tapered body that resembles a teardrop or carrot, with three thin tail-like appendages at the end and long antennae up front. 

Feeding Differences 

Just as they have differences in appearance, silverfish and earwigs also differ in their preferred diet, though at times there may be overlap. Silverfish are known to eat starches, which translates to paper products such as newspapers, magazines, books, and glue. Earwigs, on the other hand, feast on decaying organic matter that is typically found outside, such as plants and decaying organic matter.

Habitat Differences

Whereas earwigs can be found residing in moist, shaded areas outside, silverfish prefer dark, damp environments indoors. Think of silverfish as your resident basement dwellers, squatting in similar spaces such as attics, bathrooms, and kitchens. You’ll have to step outside to spot an earwig, and these insects will likely be hidden under mulch, leaves, or garden debris. 

Lifecycle Differences

Earwigs tend to go through a more typical insect lifecycle, and silverfish tend to have a slower lifecycle as they go through several molts as they grow. Earwigs have a shorter lifespan of about a year, which may be why female earwigs actively guard their eggs and young. Silverfish can live for several years and can continue molting, even as adults.

Prevention Differences

Because silverfish and earwigs have different habitats and diets, preventing or eliminating them from your space requires strategies that reduce their access to food sources and places to live. We’ve outlined the basics below. 

Silverfish Prevention

To get rid of silverfish, you’ll need to reduce indoor humidity, seal cracks, and store starchy materials like paper and fabric in airtight containers. Regular vacuuming and minimizing clutter also help remove hiding spots.

Earwig Prevention

Earwig prevention focuses more on outdoor maintenance, such as removing leaf litter, mulch, and other damp debris near your home’s foundation. Sealing entry points and using dehumidifiers inside can also work wonders in keeping them from coming indoors, especially during wet or dry weather when they tend to seek shelter. If your prevention methods fall flat, you can always reach out to your local pest control specialist to do an inspection of your home and come up with a custom treatment plan to get rid of these unwelcome pests.