Silverfish, despite their oddly beautiful appearance (as far as insects go) are pesky little creatures that can invade our homes and cause much frustration and concern.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at these silver-backed critters and explore whether they are harmful, if you should kill them, and more importantly – how to effectively get rid of them.
If you suspect you may have a silverfish problem in your home, or you’re simply curious to learn more about them, this is the article for you. Let’s get straight into it…
What Are Silverfish?
So, what are silverfish? Here’s what you need to know: 
- Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are typically silver or grey in colour. They’re a relatively common pest in Australia – though not the most dangerous by any stretch of the imagination.
- They have a distinct fish-like shape and move in a strange wiggling manner, hence how they got the name “silverfish.”
- These nocturnal insects prefer dark, damp, and humid environments, making them commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens (although they can often be found in furniture as well – even under your mattress).
How Can You Tell If You Have a Silverfish Problem in Your Home?
And how can you tell if you have a silverfish problem in your home? Here are some tell-tale signs of a potential infestation:
- Look for signs such as silvery scales or shed skin, which silverfish leave behind as they moult. Just be mindful of how small these critters are, as spotting their shed skin will be rather difficult unless you are actively searching.
- Check for small holes or notches on paper items, books, or wallpaper, as silverfish are known to feed on starches and cellulose – which is often found in such items.
- Spotting live silverfish in dark areas, particularly at night, is a clear indication of an infestation.
- However, if you only spot just one silverfish, don’t panic – as these are solitary creatures which means that one lone silverfish does not necessarily indicate an infestation (although it’s still worth further investigation).
Why Do You Get Silverfish?
What is it that attracts silverfish to our homes? When you better understand what drives them, you’ll be better prepared to try and prevent them from appearing in the future. Here’s what you should know:
- Silverfish are attracted to environments with high humidity levels, as they require moisture to survive.
- They are often found in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens – although they are also known to infest furniture items such as beds and mattresses if you have a damp / humidity problem.
- Silverfish can enter homes through cracks and crevices or be brought in through infested items like cardboard boxes, furniture items, or old books.
Are Silverfish Harmful?
Now onto the important question: are silverfish harmful? Can they hurt you, your children, or your family pets?
- You’ll be pleased to learn that silverfish do not pose any direct threat to humans or pets. Furthermore, they are not known to transmit diseases or bite.
- That being said, they can cause damage to books, wallpaper, clothing, and other paper-based or fabric items.
- Their presence may also indicate underlying moisture issues or potential damage to your property – which can lead to a host of other health problems, particularly if mould starts to spread.
- While silverfish are not harmful to our health, their presence in our homes can be a source of much frustration and anxiety – which is why it is definitely worth getting rid of them as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Should I Kill Silverfish?
Is it worth killing silverfish? Or are there more effective and less harmful means of evicting these little critters from your home?
- Killing silverfish is not necessary unless you have a severe infestation or are experiencing significant damage to your belongings.
- It is more effective to focus on eliminating their food sources and creating an inhospitable environment to discourage their presence (e.g., deal with your damp / humidity problems).
How Do You Get Rid of Silverfish?
Finally, let’s take a look at some effective means of ridding your home of silverfish. The following tips should set you on the right path:
- You should aim to reduce humidity levels in your home by using dehumidifiers or improving ventilation.
- Be sure to fix any leaks or moisture problems, particularly in bathrooms or basements.
- Store your books, papers, and other vulnerable items in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. This is great not only for preserving them, but keeping them safe from critters like silverfish that would otherwise love to feast on your valuables.
- Make a point of keeping your home clean and free of food debris, as silverfish are attracted to starchy and sugary substances.
- Try using natural repellents like cedar or lavender sachets to deter silverfish from remaining in your home.
- Apply boric acid or diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices as a non-toxic method to kill any unwanted silverfish.
- If the infestation persists or if you would prefer professional assistance, consult a pest control expert for targeted treatments. Pest Control Brisbane is a company, in particular, that come highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt about it, silverfish can be a nuisance in our homes, despite the fact that they are generally harmless to humans and pets.
In any case, by addressing the underlying causes of their presence and implementing some of the preventive measures mentioned above, you can effectively eliminate and deter silverfish infestations.
Focus on reducing moisture, eliminating their food sources, and employing natural or targeted treatments as needed – and remember, if the infestation persists or if you have any concerns at all, it’s always worth seeking professional help.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this article and have found all the information you need. Best of luck with your critter problem!
