Silverfish – The Silent Destroyers of Books, Paper, and Fabrics

Silverfish are small, primitive, wingless insects that have existed for over 400 million years, making them one of the oldest insect species on Earth. Their silvery-grey, metallic scales and quick, fish-like movements are what give them their name. Although silverfish do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, they are considered nuisance pests due to their ability to damage books, clothing, wallpaper, and other household items.

In Sydney’s humid climate, silverfish infestations are common in homes, libraries, offices, and warehouses, particularly in dark, damp environments. These insects are nocturnal, meaning they remain hidden during the day and become active at night. Due to their secretive nature, a silverfish infestation may go unnoticed for long periods, leading to significant damage over time.

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we specialise in effective silverfish removal and prevention strategies to protect your home, business, and valuable belongings from these destructive pests.

Why Are Silverfish Considered Pests?

Rapid Reproduction & Widespread Infestation

• A single female silverfish can lay up to 60 eggs at a time, leading to rapid infestations if not controlled.
• Silverfish can survive weeks without food and months without water, making them highly resilient pests.
• Once they infest a home or commercial space, they spread quickly and can be difficult to eliminate.

Damage to Paper, Fabric & Household Items

Silverfish feed on starchy materials, causing damage to:

• Books, newspapers, and magazines – Chewing holes and weakening pages.
• Wallpaper and glue – Leading to peeling and deterioration.
• Clothing, linens, and upholstery – Particularly fabrics with starch-based finishes.
• Stored documents, photographs, and cardboard boxes – Making them a major threat to archives and libraries.

Hard to Detect & Control

• Silverfish prefer dark, hidden areas, making them difficult to spot until damage is evident.
• They thrive in high-humidity environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.
• Their fast movements and ability to hide in tiny cracks make them challenging to eliminate without professional intervention.

Common Silverfish Species in Sydney

1. Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)

• Size: 12-19mm in length, elongated body.
• Appearance: Silvery-grey with a metallic sheen and long antennae.
• Habitat: Prefers humid, dark environments, such as bathrooms, basements, and bookshelves.
• Concerns: Feeds on paper, clothing, wallpaper glue, and food crumbs.

2. Firebrats (Thermobia domestica)

• Size: Slightly larger than common silverfish, up to 20mm.
• Appearance: Yellowish-brown with darker mottled patches.
• Habitat: Prefers warmer, drier environments, such as attics, boiler rooms, and near fireplaces.
• Concerns: Damages paper, textiles, and stored grains.

3. Booklice (Psocids)

• Size: Very small, 1-2mm.
• Appearance: Light brown, soft-bodied, and wingless.
• Habitat: Found in libraries, archives, bookshelves, and wallpapered rooms.
• Concerns: Feeds on bookbinding glue, starches, and mould, making them a threat to historical documents.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Since silverfish are nocturnal and avoid light, infestations often go unnoticed. However, these key signs may indicate their presence:

• Visible silverfish activity – Seeing silverfish scurrying in dark corners, under furniture, or in bathrooms.
• Holes or notches in paper, books, and wallpaper – Signs of silverfish feeding.
• Yellowish stains on surfaces – Left behind by silverfish excrement.
• Shed exoskeletons – Silverfish shed their skins multiple times throughout their lifespan.
• Small droppings resembling black pepper – Found near hiding spots, including closets and bookshelves.

How to Prevent & Control Silverfish Infestations

1. Reduce Humidity & Moisture

• Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.
• Improve ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.
• Fix leaking pipes, roofs, and faucets to prevent moisture buildup.
• Store books, documents, and clothing in dry areas to reduce attraction.

2. Clean & Declutter Regularly

• Vacuum corners, closets, bookshelves, and carpets frequently.
• Remove old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unnecessary clutter.
• Dust and clean bookshelves, wardrobes, and storage areas regularly.

3. Store Food & Fabrics Properly

• Keep dry food in airtight containers to prevent silverfish access.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight, as silverfish will feed on crumbs.
• Store fabrics in sealed plastic bins, especially seasonal clothing.

4. Seal Entry Points & Cracks

• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and baseboards.
• Repair damaged wallpaper and peeling paint to eliminate hiding spots.
• Install door sweeps and caulk small crevices to prevent entry.

5. Professional Silverfish Treatment

• DIY methods rarely eliminate silverfish infestations entirely.
• Professional pest control ensures long-term eradication and prevention.

How BUGZOFF Can Help with Silverfish Control

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we provide targeted and effective silverfish treatments for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Our Silverfish Control Services Include:

• Comprehensive inspections to locate infestation hotspots.
• Moisture control solutions to eliminate favourable environments.
• Safe and targeted treatments, including residual sprays, dust applications, and baiting methods.
• Preventative recommendations to keep your property silverfish-free.
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments to ensure long-term success.

Protect Your Home or Business from Silverfish Damage

Silverfish can go unnoticed for months, causing extensive damage to books, documents, clothing, and wallpaper. If left untreated, an infestation can spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we use specialised pest management techniques to eliminate silverfish infestations efficiently and prevent reoccurrence. Our tailored treatment plans ensure that your home, business, or storage facility remains protected from these destructive pests.

Contact BUGZOFF today for a professional silverfish control inspection and customised treatment plan.