Silverfish - The hidden pest in your home

Have you found a strange, shimmering insect in your bathroom or attic?

You might have a silverfish problem.

What are silverfish and why are they in my home?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects, typically about 10-15mm long. They have a distinctive, silvery-grey colour and move with a wiggling motion that gives them their name.

While they can be found year-round, silverfish thrive in damp, dark, and humid environments. As the weather turns colder, these insects often seek the stable warmth and moisture found inside our homes and businesses, leading to increased indoor activity during the winter months. A silverfish can live for up to eight years and can survive for a full year without food, as long as it has access to moisture. This resilience is why they are such a persistent problem.

The hidden damage caused by silverfish

Silverfish are a nuisance and can be destructive to your property. They have an appetite for materials high in starch or carbohydrates, which means they can damage many of your belongings.

Paper products – This includes books, magazines, documents, wallpaper, and cardboard.
Fabrics – They can feed on textiles like cotton, linen, and silk.
Adhesives – They can be found eating the glue in book bindings and wallpaper paste.

The damage often goes unnoticed until it’s significant, appearing as tiny holes, irregular feeding marks, or yellow stains.

How you can recognise a silverfish infestation

Silverfish are nocturnal, so you may not see them often. However, spotting signs of their presence can help you identify an infestation early. Look for these signs in damp, dark, and undisturbed areas like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and loft spaces.

Finding the insects themselves, especially at night.
Discovering shed skins.
Small, black, peppercorn-like droppings.
Irregularly shaped holes or yellow stains on paper or fabrics.

What you can do to stop them

Controlling humidity is one of the most effective ways to prevent a silverfish infestation.

Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Ensure good ventilation with fans or by opening windows to lower moisture levels in enclosed spaces.
Fix any leaks promptly to eliminate water sources.
Reduce their food sources. Store paper and fabrics in sealed bags or containers. Vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and other debris.
Seal entry points. Fill any cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes to block their access.

When you should call a professional

While DIY prevention can help, a large infestation will require professional treatment. Silverfish can hide in hard-to-reach places like wall voids and under flooring, making them difficult to eradicate completely without expert help.

Our certified professionals have the knowledge to locate their hiding places and the expertise to apply effective treatments that are more successful and long-lasting than off-the-shelf options.

Your next step to a pest-free property

Don’t let silverfish silently damage your home or business. If you’re worried about an infestation, contact Protex Pest Control today for a free consultation.

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