About Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)

Activity: Nocturnal Creepers in the Shadows

Silverfish are nocturnal insects, most active at night while avoiding light. They move quickly and prefer dark, humid areas, making them difficult to spot until infestations grow. Silverfish are year-round pests, but their activity peaks in warm and moist conditions, especially during spring and summer.

While they don’t bite or transmit diseases, silverfish cause damage by feeding on household items, making them a nuisance pest that requires attention.

Diet: What Silverfish Eat & Why It Matters

Silverfish have a diet rich in starches and sugars, commonly known as polysaccharides. They feed on:

• Paper, books, wallpaper glue

• Cardboard, fabric, and linens

• Dry foods (flour, oats, cereals)

• Dead insects and dust particles

This feeding behavior leads to damage to personal belongings, including important documents, clothing, and pantry goods.

Size: Small, But Noticeable Pests

Adult silverfish measure 12 mm to 19 mm in length.
Key features include:

• Silvery, metallic scales giving a fish-like appearance

• Tear-drop shaped, flattened bodies

• Long antennae and three rear bristles

Their slippery, fast movements and preference for tight spaces make them elusive invaders.

Nesting Habits: Where Silverfish Live

Silverfish thrive in moist, humid environments with high relative humidity (above 75%). Common hiding spots include:

• Basements, attics, and crawl spaces

• Bathrooms and kitchens (under sinks, around pipes)

• Storage areas with cardboard boxes or books

• Behind baseboards, wallpaper, and wall voids

They prefer locations with low human activity and can survive long periods without food, making infestations persistent.

Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial

Silverfish infestations are challenging because:

• They hide in hard-to-reach places

• Reproducing females can lay eggs continuously

• DIY treatments often miss hidden populations

Professional pest control ensures:

• Comprehensive inspections to locate all nesting sites

• Targeted treatments in cracks, crevices, and moisture-prone areas

• Moisture control recommendations to prevent re-infestation

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Early Detection = Less Damage

Be on the lookout for these indicators:

• Sightings of Live Silverfish: Especially at night, near sinks, bathtubs, or storage areas.

• Feeding Damage: Small holes, notches, or etching on paper, books, wallpaper, and fabrics.

• Yellowish Stains or Scales: Left behind on infested materials.

• Shed Skins: Molted exoskeletons found near hiding spots.

• Droppings: Tiny, pepper-like feces around infested items.

Understanding the Problem: Silverfish Infestations in Homes

Silverfish don’t pose direct health risks but can cause significant damage to household items. Their ability to remain hidden and survive without food for months makes infestations difficult to eliminate without professional intervention.

DIY sprays and traps provide only temporary relief, failing to address hidden populations and favorable environmental conditions. Effective control requires a combination of elimination and prevention strategies.

Our Professional Approach to Silverfish Control

We use a targeted, thorough approach to eliminate silverfish infestations:

 Detailed Inspection

• Identify infestation hotspots and environmental factors promoting silverfish activity.

 Comprehensive Treatment Plan

• Application of insecticides in cracks, crevices, and voids where silverfish hide.

• Use of dust formulations and baits for long-term control.

 Moisture Management & Prevention

• Recommendations for reducing humidity levels and sealing entry points.

• Advice on storage practices to protect vulnerable items.