Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)

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Do you occasionally spot silverfish in your home, or are they a persistent nuisance?

If you’ve noticed small, silvery insects darting around your property, they are most likely silverfish. These wingless insects tend to live among paper, soap residues and dusty environments. While a silverfish infestation can be irritating, there are several home remedies and preventative measures you can use to get rid of them for good.

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are small, nocturnal insects that can become household pests. They get their name from their silvery-grey colour and their fish-like movements, characterised by tapered bodies, long antennae and tail bristles. They are fast-moving creatures that often evade predators and prefer dark, hidden areas.

Silverfish are notorious for damaging household items and thrive on a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates, commonly found in paper, glue, soap residues and dust.

Characteristics

  1. Silverfish belong to a group of primitive, wingless insects known as bristletails.

  2. They thrive in homes where they feed on sugar, starch, paper, soap residues and dust, and they often favour slightly damp environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.

  3. Their name comes from their silvery appearance and fish-like movements.

  4. They have silver-coloured bodies, two long antennae and three tail bristles. Their tiny scales may rub off when touched.

  5. Natural predators of silverfish include earwigs, centipedes and spiders – so it may be worth leaving house spiders undisturbed in corners.

Are silverfish dangerous or harmful?

Silverfish pose no direct health risk to humans. However, they can damage books, old documents, wallpaper, carpets and clothing due to their feeding habits and droppings. They also commonly infest unsealed packets of pasta, oats and cereals, which is why prompt action is recommended.

What attracts silverfish?

Silverfish are attracted to:

  1. Food sources such as fibres, sugar, textiles, cereals, dried goods, pet food and pasta.

  2. Warm, hidden places behind furniture, in bookcases or in damp cellars.

  3. Sheltered areas where they can lay eggs – typically dark, moist and undisturbed parts of the home.

  4. Areas with high humidity, such as behind furniture or near sinks. Keeping these areas dry and clean, along with regular vacuuming to remove dust and food debris, helps deter them.

Where do silverfish live?

Silverfish typically nest in dark, damp locations with plenty of moisture, including lofts, basements, garages and kitchens. They feed on dust, clutter and unsealed dried foods, especially paper-based materials.

Signs of a silverfish infestation

Common signs include yellow stains on synthetic fabrics, small holes and droppings on old paper and wallpaper, and damage to unsealed packets of dried food.

Are silverfish a sign of a dirty home?

Silverfish thrive in humid conditions, so their presence often indicates moisture issues rather than poor hygiene alone. This could point to a minor leak or water ingress problem. However, they are also attracted to dusty, cluttered areas, making thorough cleaning of affected spaces essential.

How to get rid of silverfish permanently

In cases of severe infestation, it is advisable to consult a pest control professional. Natalie Bungay, Technical Officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), advises that professionals use approved insecticides and specialist knowledge to deal with infestations effectively and safely.

If you prefer natural solutions, consider the following options:

  1. Cedarwood shavings or oil – repels silverfish as they dislike the woody scent.

  2. Cinnamon – placing cinnamon in affected areas can help deter them.

  3. Citrus peel – the scent of orange and lemon peel repels silverfish.

  4. Cucumber peel – silverfish dislike the smell of cucumber.

  5. Cloves – dried cloves contain eugenol, which repels silverfish.

  6. Salt – silverfish are attracted to salt, but consuming it causes dehydration and death. Salt also absorbs moisture.

  7. Boric acid (use with caution) – toxic if inhaled or ingested and harmful to children and pets. When carefully diluted and applied to infested areas, it can be effective.

Preventing silverfish from returning

To reduce the risk of silverfish returning:

  1. Address moisture problems by fixing leaking pipes, improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers and regularly opening windows.

  2. Vacuum carpets, remove clutter such as old magazines and papers, and dust regularly.

  3. Store dried foods in airtight containers to prevent access.

By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate silverfish and help ensure they do not return to your home.