This is the classic setup for clickbait advertising – usually, behind this supposed “fish in the house” are silverfish or paperfish.

What their appearance actually means

Silverfish: A sign of consistently high humidity (over 60%) and poor ventilation. They often indicate hidden sources of moisture or mold in the bathroom and kitchen.

Paperfish: Unlike silverfish, they prefer warm, dry rooms. They are usually brought in via shipping boxes and eat paper, wallpaper, or documents.

What you should do

Reduce humidity: For silverfish, consistent airing out of the room and fixing leaks will help.
Dispose of boxes promptly: Paperfish are usually brought in with waste paper or online packages – so boxes should go straight into the trash.

Stay calm: Neither species transmits diseases and they are primarily pests, not a health threat.

The sensationalist presentation of online articles is simply designed to stoke fear and generate clicks. Have you recently discovered a specific insect in your home, or did you simply stumble across one of these typical advertisements?