You flip on the bathroom light late at night, and a small, metallic insect wriggles across the tiles like a tiny fish before disappearing under the skirting board.
You’ve just seen a silverfish – one of the most common, yet least understood, household pests.
What Exactly Is a Silverfish?
Silverfish are fast, wingless, nocturnal insects named for their metallic grey colour and fish-like movement.
Unlike most pests, they aren’t looking for leftover food on your counter. They feed on starches and carbohydrates, including:
- Paper, books, and cardboard boxes
- Cotton, linen, and silk clothing
- Wallpaper glue and carpet backing
What Their Presence Means for Your Space
Silverfish need high humidity (75%+) to survive. If you are seeing them, your home likely has a hidden moisture issue.
They are attracted to:
- Unseen leaks under sinks, vanities, or in roof spaces
- Poorly ventilated, damp areas like bathrooms and basements
- Quiet storage areas packed with cardboard boxes or old papers
While they don’t cause structural damage, an unchecked population will ruin stored documents, books, wallpaper, and clothing with tiny chew holes.
Are They Dangerous to Your Health?
No, silverfish do not bite, sting, or carry diseases.
However, as they grow, they shed their outer skins. These microscopic shed skins and droppings accumulate in household dust and can trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.
Why DIY Sprays Don’t Work (And When to Call Pest Control)
Catching one silverfish with a surface spray won’t fix the problem. Silverfish nest deep inside wall cavities, tile gaps, and roof spaces where moisture builds up.
Professional pest control addresses the root cause by:
- Identifying hidden moisture and harbourage zones.
- Applying targeted treatments directly into cracks and voids where pests hide.
- Helping you control the environment so they don’t come back.
Spotted silverfish in your home? Don’t wait for them to ruin your stored items.
Book a professional assessment with your local Specialist today.