Silverfish Pest Control and Treatment
Silverfish Pest Control
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are ancient, wingless insects that have remained almost unchanged for millions of years. They are among the most primitive insects still alive today, having existed for more than 400 million years—long before the dinosaurs.
Although silverfish do not bite, sting, or spread disease, they are considered nuisance pests because of their destructive feeding habits. They target starchy household items such as books, clothing, wallpaper, and stored foods, leaving behind small holes, irregular etching, or yellowish stains.
These insects are extremely hardy. They can survive for weeks without water and several months without food, making them difficult to eradicate once established in a home. On average, silverfish live between two and four years, but in ideal conditions, they may survive even longer.
What Do Silverfish Look Like?
Silverfish are named for their fish-like appearance and movements. They are typically:
Length: 13–25mm
Body Shape: Slender, flat, and carrot-shaped, tapering towards the rear
Colour: Shiny silver-grey, with metallic scales covering the body
Antennae: Two long, whip-like antennae that constantly move side to side
Tails: Three long bristle-like appendages (two sideways, one in the centre)
Movement: Quick, darting, and wriggling motions, resembling a swimming fish
Unlike many other insects, silverfish lack wings entirely, relying on their speed and agility to escape threats. Their rapid, jittery movements often startle people when they scuttle across floors, walls, or out of cupboards.
Where Do Silverfish Live?
Silverfish thrive in dark, warm, and humid environments. Outdoors, they live under rocks, leaf litter, or logs. Indoors, they are drawn to areas with consistent moisture, including:
Bathrooms and laundries
Often found around sinks, bathtubs, and wet floors
Kitchens and pantries
Attracted to food storage areas, cupboards, and cardboard boxes
Roof cavities and wall voids
Hidden spaces that remain undisturbed
Basements and subfloors
Damp areas with poor ventilation
Silverfish cannot climb smooth surfaces such as glass or polished metal, which is why they are often discovered trapped in sinks, bathtubs, or basins.
Their diet is broad and unusual, including:
Carbohydrates and starches
Rolled oats, flour, sugar, and pasta
Paper and books
Wallpaper paste, cardboard, old documents
Clothing and fabrics
Both natural fibres (cotton, silk, wool) and synthetic materials
Household debris
Dead insects, hair, and dandruff
This indiscriminate feeding makes them a persistent pest capable of damaging valuable possessions without being noticed for long periods.
Common Types of Silverfish in Australia
Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)
How they look
The most recognisable silverfish species, growing 13–25 mm in length. They have flattened, silver-grey bodies with long antennae and three tail-like bristles. Their smooth, shiny scales give them their “fish-like” appearance.
Where they live
Commonly found indoors across Australia, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and storage areas. They prefer warm, humid environments but can adapt to drier conditions.
Why they are a problem
Commonly found indoors across Australia, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and storage areas. They prefer warm, humid environments but can adapt to drier conditions.
Grey Silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudata)
How they look
Slightly larger than the common silverfish, reaching up to 30 mm. They are grey to mottled brown in colour and have noticeably longer antennae and tail filaments.
Where they live
Unlike the common silverfish, this species thrives in cooler and drier areas such as roof voids, basements, wall cavities, and subfloors.
Why they are a problem
Grey silverfish are tougher and more resilient than standard silverfish, making infestations harder to control. They damage paper, fabrics, and even plaster materials, making them a growing concern in Australian homes.
Four-lined Silverfish (Ctenolepisma quadriseriata)
How they look
Similar in size to common silverfish but with darker scales and faint stripes or lines running lengthwise along their back.
Where they live
Similar in size to common silverfish but with darker scales and faint stripes or lines running lengthwise along their back.
Why they are a problem
They are most often found in areas with large amounts of paper and stored documents, such as libraries, archives, and offices.
Firebrat (Thermobia domestica)
How they look
Often mistaken for silverfish but slightly smaller at 10–12 mm. They have a mottled grey-brown colour instead of the shiny silver of true silverfish.
Where do they live
They prefer very hot and humid environments, often living near hot water systems, ovens, or furnaces. They thrive at temperatures above 30°C.
Why they are a problem
Although less common in homes than silverfish, firebrats can still damage fabrics, books, and food storage. Their tolerance of extreme heat makes them harder to eliminate in industrial settings.
Giant Silverfish (Ctenolepisma species)
How they look
Much larger than typical silverfish, sometimes exceeding 30 mm in length. They have darker, more robust bodies and longer appendages.
Where they live
Usually found in roof voids, sheds, and sometimes outdoor environments where they feed on organic debris.
Why they are a problem
Usually found in roof voids, sheds, and sometimes outdoor environments where they feed on organic debris.
How to Identify Silverfish Infestations
Silverfish are secretive pests that avoid light and move quickly, making them hard to spot. However, they leave behind tell-tale signs that can help you detect an infestation before it worsens.
Sightings of Live Silverfish
The clearest sign of an infestation is seeing the insects themselves. Silverfish are fast-moving, silvery-grey pests that wriggle in a fish-like manner as they scurry across floors, walls, or ceilings. Because they are nocturnal, you are most likely to spot them at night or when you unexpectedly switch on a light in a bathroom or kitchen. During the day, they remain hidden in cracks, crevices, and dark corners.
If you do notice one or two silverfish in your home, it is very likely that more are hiding nearby. These pests reproduce slowly compared to other insects, but they live for several years, which means populations can quietly build up if left unchecked.
Shedded Skin and Scales
Silverfish grow by shedding their exoskeletons, and unlike many other insects, they continue moulting throughout their entire lives. This means you may find small, delicate, translucent skins near their hiding areas. These skins are often curled and very light, resembling thin fragments of plastic or tissue paper.
Another giveaway is the presence of tiny silvery scales. When silverfish are disturbed or crushed, these fine, dust-like particles may be left behind. The accumulation of shed skins and scales is a strong indicator of ongoing silverfish activity.
Yellow Stains and Droppings
Silverfish leave behind subtle but recognisable waste. Their droppings are small, pepper-like pellets that can be found on shelves, in cupboards, or in storage areas. Alongside these, they may also leave yellowish stains on paper, fabrics, or cardboard.
Over time, these stains and droppings can accumulate, especially in areas that remain undisturbed for long periods. If you notice yellow markings or small dark specks on books, wallpaper, or clothing, it is worth investigating further for a possible silverfish infestation.
Damage to Belongings
One of the most destructive signs of silverfish is the damage they cause to household items. These pests have a preference for materials containing starches and sugars, which they find in surprising places. Commonly damaged items include:
Books and paper
Silverfish often leave irregular, notched holes along the edges of pages. They may also eat away at wallpaper glue or photographs.
Clothing and fabrics
They can damage cotton, linen, silk, and even synthetic fibres. Small holes or rough patches may appear in stored clothing or upholstery.
Stored food
In pantries, silverfish may chew through packaging to reach flour, oats, sugar, and cereals.
Household items
Cardboard boxes, wallpaper paste, and even some adhesives are attractive to silverfish.
Unlike moth damage, which appears as neat circular holes, silverfish feeding marks are uneven and irregular.
Unexplained Activity in Bathrooms and Kitchens
Silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments, which is why bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and basements are their most common hiding spots. They are often discovered trapped in sinks, bathtubs, or showers, as they cannot climb smooth, vertical surfaces.
Signs of silverfish activity in these areas include yellow stains, droppings, and shed skins around drains, skirting boards, or under mats. If you see silverfish in one of these locations, it usually means there are many more hidden nearby.
Where Should You Look for Silverfish?
Because silverfish are excellent at staying hidden, it is important to check their preferred hiding places during an inspection. They are often found in:
- Roof voids, attics, and wall cavities
- Subfloors and skirting boards
- Cupboards, wardrobes, and drawers
- Behind wallpaper, picture frames, or mirrors
- Inside storage boxes or old cardboard
- Beneath carpets, rugs, and floorboards
Silverfish favour undisturbed environments where they can go unnoticed for months or even years. Homes with clutter, stacks of paper, or poorly ventilated rooms are particularly attractive to them.
Signs of Heavy Infestation
In cases where infestations have become well-established, the evidence becomes more obvious. Multiple live silverfish may be seen during the day, suggesting that the population has grown large enough that some are forced out of hiding. You may also notice widespread damage across books, fabrics, and paper-based items, with feeding marks appearing in several different rooms.
A significant build-up of shed skins, droppings, and yellow stains is another strong sign of a heavy infestation. At this stage, professional pest control is usually necessary, as silverfish are incredibly resilient and difficult to eliminate without targeted treatments.
How to Prevent Silverfish Infestations
Silverfish are one of Australia’s most common household pests. Once inside, they can survive for years in dark, humid spaces, feeding quietly on books, fabrics, wallpaper, and stored food. Prevention is the key, because silverfish can be extremely resilient once they establish themselves.
Control Humidity
Silverfish thrive in damp conditions, so reducing moisture in your home is essential. Use dehumidifiers in problem areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundries. Ventilating roof cavities and subfloors also helps to keep these areas dry. Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms will further prevent condensation and reduce the risk of an infestation.
Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Because silverfish are slender and agile, they can easily squeeze into tiny gaps. Sealing cracks along skirting boards, walls, and floors makes it much harder for them to spread. It’s also important to repair gaps around windows, doors, vents, plumbing, and electrical entry points so they have fewer places to hide and breed.
Store Food and Paper Safely
Silverfish are particularly attracted to starches, sugars, and cellulose-based materials. To protect your belongings, keep cereals, oats, and flour in airtight containers. Store books, important papers, and photographs in sealed boxes, and avoid keeping cardboard in storage for long periods. Proper storage cuts off some of their favourite food sources.
Keep Your Home Clean
Regular cleaning helps remove crumbs, dust, and hair that silverfish feed on. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and skirting boards once a week will keep potential food supplies to a minimum. It’s also a good idea to clean cupboards and wardrobes regularly to stop dust and food residue from building up. Always empty the vacuum into a sealed bag to prevent pests from escaping.
Reduce Clutter
Clutter provides countless hiding places for silverfish. Stacks of newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes are especially attractive to them. By reducing clutter and keeping storage areas tidy, you make it harder for silverfish to establish themselves unnoticed. Rotating stored items occasionally can also help expose hidden pests.
Use Natural Deterrents
Some natural scents are believed to repel silverfish. Sachets of lavender, cloves, or cedarwood can be placed inside cupboards and wardrobes. Citrus sprays and cinnamon sticks may also discourage them in confined spaces.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish Infestations
Silverfish are persistent pests that can survive for years and reproduce quickly. While sprays may kill visible insects, they rarely reach the eggs or hidden populations inside roof voids, wall cavities, and tight crevices.
Because silverfish feed on paper, fabrics, and stored food, infestations can continue unnoticed until real damage has been done. Complete elimination often requires a mix of at-home prevention and professional pest control.
At-Home Actions to Reduce Silverfish
While these steps won’t guarantee full eradication, they can reduce populations and protect your belongings while waiting for professional treatment.
Use Heat or Freezing
Silverfish and their eggs cannot survive extreme temperatures. Place infested clothing, books, or fabrics in a sealed bag and either freeze them for at least 72 hours or wash/dry them on the hottest cycle available.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade DE is a natural powder that scratches and dehydrates silverfish on contact. Lightly dust it into cracks, behind skirting boards, in cupboards, and anywhere activity has been seen. Vacuum and reapply weekly until activity subsides.
Boric Acid
Boric acid can be sprinkled in hard-to-reach areas like under appliances or inside wall voids. When ingested, it acts as a poison. However, it must be kept away from children and pets.
Jar Traps
Homemade traps can capture silverfish overnight. Place a glass jar wrapped in masking tape (to give them grip) and bait it with bread, oats, or flour. Once inside, silverfish can’t climb the smooth glass to escape.
Targeted Insecticide Sprays
Surface sprays may kill silverfish on contact but rarely penetrate deep hiding spots. If used, focus on skirting boards, cracks, and damp corners — not just open floors. Always follow safety guidelines.
Professional Silverfish Treatments
For complete control, professional pest management is usually required. Licensed technicians have the tools and expertise to target both the insects and their hidden eggs.
Residual Sprays and Dusts
Safe, long-lasting insecticides can be applied into cracks, roof voids, and wall cavities where silverfish are likely to hide. Dust formulations are especially useful for dry areas like subfloors and roof spaces.
Targeted Baits
In some cases, technicians use baits designed to attract silverfish and spread the active ingredient throughout their hiding spots.
Follow-Up Inspections
Because silverfish eggs may hatch weeks later, follow-up visits are often necessary. Multiple treatments ensure the life cycle is broken and infestations don’t return.
Preventive Advice
Professionals will also advise on long-term prevention, such as improving ventilation, sealing entry points, and reducing clutter in storage areas.
Call a Pest Control Professional
Even with regular cleaning and natural deterrents, silverfish are difficult to eliminate without professional help. They are fast, agile, and able to survive for months without food.
A licensed pest control company can confirm the infestation, apply targeted treatments, and schedule follow-up inspections until your home is clear. Non-toxic options are also available if you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals.
Need help now? Book a professional silverfish inspection on 1300 766 614. Our experts will assess your property, explain your options, and create a tailored plan to eliminate silverfish and stop them from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do silverfish bite?
No, silverfish do not bite humans or animals. They have chewing mouthparts designed for starchy materials, not flesh. If you find small bites on your skin, they are likely caused by another pest such as bed bugs, fleas, or mosquitoes.
Are silverfish dangerous?
Silverfish are not dangerous in the sense that they don’t spread disease or directly harm people. However, they can cause significant damage to belongings. Books, wallpaper, photographs, clothing, and stored food are all at risk if silverfish infest your home.
Are silverfish bad?
Yes, in terms of being pests. While harmless to your health, silverfish are considered “bad” because of the property damage they cause. They can ruin valuable items like documents, clothing, and furniture finishes if left unchecked.
How do you get silverfish?
Silverfish are attracted to damp, dark, and warm environments. Common entry points include gaps around windows, doors, vents, and roof spaces. Once inside, they thrive in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and roof cavities. High humidity, food crumbs, and clutter all encourage silverfish infestations.
Do silverfish eat clothes?
Yes. Silverfish are known to feed on natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen, and even leather. They are particularly drawn to clothes that have food, sweat, or body oil stains. They also eat paper, glue, cardboard, and starchy foods in your pantry.
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From ants and cockroaches to bed bugs and pantry pests, we treat the full range of infestations found in Australian homes and businesses. Our trained technicians know how to identify the issue quickly and apply the right solution to remove pests – and keep them from coming back.
Ants are attracted to food sources and can contaminate food areas, often requiring professional help to locate and remove nests.
Bed bugs infestations are notoriously difficult to beat and hide in bedding and furniture, leaving bites and stains as signs of infestation.
Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments, breed quickly, and can leave behind odours and stains—early treatment is key.
Fleas feed on blood, mostly living off pets, and can survive dormant in the environment for months. Professional treatment is often needed.
Silverfish are fast, wingless insects that prefer warm, dark areas and can live for years, feeding on starchy or synthetic materials.
The formidable appearance and size of spiders makes them the most feared of all the creepy crawlies. However most spiders are harmless and avoid people.
Pantry moths infest dry food and can contaminate large amounts of it with webbing and droppings, regular checks and baits help prevent them.
Carpet beetles damage rugs and feed on hair, skin, and feathers, often going unnoticed until larvae husks or damage appears in hidden spaces.
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“We have used CPS as our preferred pest control partner for several years. We have always found them professional and very reliable, which is of utmost importance when dealing with the intricacies of tenancies and vendors during a sale campaign. We always find them quick to get out to our properties, the service is always excellent and the job done well, and there is an added benefit with CPS that they are also proactive in scheduling follow up treatments for the more serious issues like termites. I have never had a dissatisfied customer and we have had them attend hundreds of our properties. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking for a pest control company.”
