Pest Guide
SilverFish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that prefer dark, sheltered environments and are commonly associated with areas of higher humidity. They can survive in concealed areas around the home and may feed on materials containing starches, sugars and cellulose, including paper, cardboard, books and some fabrics.
Common signs include:
- Silverfish seen moving quickly across floors or walls
- Activity in bathrooms, laundries or cupboards
- Silverfish found among books, papers or stored items
- Small irregular areas of damage to paper or cardboard
- Damage to wallpaper or some fabrics
- Shed skins in sheltered areas
- Repeated activity in dark or humid parts of the home
Where Do Silverfish Hide?
Silverfish favour dark, protected areas where moisture and suitable food sources are available. They may be found:
- In bathrooms and laundries
- Inside cupboards and wardrobes
- Around skirting boards
- Beneath sinks
- In cracks and gaps
- Behind wallpaper
- Among books and stored papers
- Inside cardboard boxes
- In roof spaces and other undisturbed areas
What Attracts SilverFish?
Silverfish can thrive where suitable shelter, moisture and food sources are available. Conditions that may encourage activity include:
- High humidity and damp areas
- Paper and cardboard
- Books and documents
- Wallpaper and adhesives
- Some natural fabrics
- Stored boxes and belongings
- Poorly ventilated areas
- Undisturbed cracks, gaps and storage spaces
How Can You Reduce Silverfish Activity?
- Reduce excess moisture and humidity where practical
- Improve ventilation in damp areas
- Repair leaking taps, pipes and other moisture problems
- Avoid accumulating unnecessary cardboard and paper
- Store important documents and susceptible items in suitable sealed containers
- Vacuum cupboards, skirting boards and storage areas regularly
- Reduce clutter in undisturbed areas
- Seal accessible cracks and gaps where practical
When Is Professional Treatment Needed?
Professional pest control may be appropriate when silverfish are regularly appearing throughout the property, damage is occurring to stored materials, or activity continues despite reducing moisture, clutter and potential food sources.
Because silverfish can remain concealed within cracks, cupboards and other protected spaces, professional treatment can target likely harbourage and activity areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
