Silverfish are nuisance pests that can destroy old books, wallpaper, plaster and other household items. Knowing how to get rid of silverfish is important for fast, effective control.

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are nuisance pests that are known for their destructive feeding habits. They are identifiable by their unique silvery-blue colour and carrot shaped body.

Their movement mimics that of a fish and are also known to be called fish monks / carpet sharks.

They survive in most environments but thrive more in high humidity, dark and damp areas such as kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms.

What causes silverfish in your home?

Silverfish are often attracted to homes in search of damp, high humidity areas or for food sources.

They are often found in kitchens, bathrooms where they feed on items that contain starch, sugar or cellulose.

How to get rid of silverfish

To successfully get rid of silverfish we recommend using effective products alongside proofing measures for full control.

To kill any visible silverfish we recommend spraying them directly with a silverfish killer spray. These sprays are designed to eliminate and halt the lifecycle growth of silverfish as well as leaving lasting surface protection.

As well as sprays silverfish powder can be very effective when sprinkled into cracks or crevices where silverfish activity is high. It can also be used as a repellent around common entry points.

Silverfish traps can also be placed down in high activity / prone infestation areas such as bathroom, kitchens and utility rooms for further control.

If you find that you have Silverfish in drains this could be down to a leaky pipe. Leaky pipes will create a damp environment which Silverfish thrive in.

To remove Silverfish from drains we recommend fixing any leaky pipes and applying silverfish powder around the drain, creating an effective residual barrier.

Signs of a silverfish infestation

Due to their elusive appearance silverfish can be very tricky to spot. Therefore being able to identify the signs of an infestation is important. Signs include;

Visible sightings

Silverfish are nocturnal insects and sightings in the day are rare, but possible.

However, if you have a large infestation, sightings during the day and night may become more possible especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Damage to items

The main sign of silverfish is noticing the damage they cause to household items such as books, cardboard, newspapers, clothing, bedding and even wallpaper.

Keep an eye out for holes or chewed edges or other signs of feeding.

Yellowish stains

During feeding, silverfish are known to leave behind yellowish / brownish stains. Often mistaken for water or rust marks, these can be a strong indicator of silverfish present.

Shedded skin

As silverfish grow they shed their skins often leaving them behind either where they are most active or in common hiding spots. This skin will appear small, transparent and paper like.

How to prevent silverfish

Silverfish are often attracted to homes when the right environmental conditions are in place, including sources of food and warm damp, humid areas. Ways to prevent silverfish include;

Reducing humidity / moisture

We know silverfish thrive in humid, damp conditions so reducing moisture around your home is important.

Consider using dehumidifiers in humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Ventilate areas prone to becoming damp by opening windows or using exhaust fans. Also, ensure there are no leaks around your home.

Seal entry points

Silverfish are so small that they can enter through the smallest of cracks and crevices. Inspect your home and seal any obvious cracks or openings to prevent easy entry.

Keep spaces clutter free

Silverfish enjoy feeding in dark and undisturbed areas.

Regularly cleaning and throwing out rubbish in untouched rooms can help prevent an infestation.

Focus on disposing of food sources such as cardboard, books, magazines etc.

Use natural repellents

Using natural repellents can be a great way to prevent future infestations.

Silverfish powders (diatomaceous earth) can be sprinkled in cracks and crevices where they are commonly found, creating a residual barrier for future protection.

Other natural repellents such as lavender and cinnamon can also be used.

Are silverfish harmful?

Silverfish are more harmful to items of belonging rather than humans or pets due to their damaging chewing on newspapers, cardboard, tissue and sometimes clothing.

In general, silverfish are fairly harmless pests that cause little damage in small numbers.

However, a silverfish infestation can be a lot more damaging and a bigger nuisance.

Do silverfish eat wood?

Even though Silverfish are often found around wooden items and object they don’t actually eat wood.

Instead, they feed on carbohydrates and protein based products such as paper, crumbs, dandruff etc.

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish are not typically a direct danger to humans as they do not bite or sting.

However, they may indirectly cause issues for people with allergies or even distress to certain homeowners.