Silverfish Control Sydney

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that prefer dark, humid and undisturbed areas. They can remain concealed inside cupboards, roof voids, wall gaps and stored belongings, often becoming active at night.

Pest In The West provides professional silverfish treatments for homes and businesses across Sydney. We assess the affected areas and recommend a targeted treatment suited to the property.

What silverfish look like

What Do Silverfish Look Like?

Silverfish have flattened, tapered bodies covered in silver or grey scales. They have long antennae and three tail-like bristles at the rear of their body.

They don’t have wings but can move quickly when exposed to light or disturbed. Young silverfish resemble smaller, paler versions of the adults.

Signs of silverfish activity

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation

Possible signs include:

• Live silverfish inside cupboards, bathrooms or storage areas

• Silverfish appear when boxes or stored belongings are moved

• Small, irregular holes or surface grazing on paper

• Yellowish marks or scales on stored items

• Damage to books, photographs or wallpaper

• Damage to some fabrics and natural fibres

• Activity inside roof voids and other dark spaces

• Shed skins in concealed areas

Because silverfish are mostly active at night, damage may be noticed before the insects themselves.

Common hiding places

Where Do Silverfish Hide?

Silverfish may shelter:

• Inside wardrobes and linen cupboards

• Around bookshelves and stored documents

• In cardboard boxes

• Beneath wallpaper

• Along skirting boards and floor gaps

• Inside wall cavities and roof voids

• In bathrooms and laundries

• Beneath sinks and around plumbing

• Inside garages, storerooms and archives

• Among stored clothing and fabrics

• Behind furniture and appliances

They are commonly found in areas that remain dark, humid and undisturbed.

What attracts silverfish

Why Are Silverfish in Your Property?

Conditions that may encourage silverfish include:

• High humidity

• Poor ventilation

• Water leaks or condensation

• Damp storage areas

• Large amounts of paper and cardboard

• Long-term storage of undisturbed belongings

• Cracks and gaps provide shelter

• Accessible roof voids and wall cavities

Silverfish feed on materials containing starches and other carbohydrates, including some paper products, glues and natural fibres.

Potential damage

Can Silverfish Cause Damage?

Silverfish don’t bite people and aren’t known to spread disease. However, an established infestation may damage:

• Books and documents

• Photographs

• Wallpaper and wallpaper paste

• Cardboard packaging

• Stored paperwork

• Some clothing and fabrics

• Items containing natural fibres or starch-based adhesives

Damage is often gradual and may occur in areas that aren’t checked regularly.

Why silverfish can be difficult to control

Why Do Silverfish Keep Returning?

Treating only the silverfish that are visible may not reach activity hidden inside roof voids, cupboards, wall gaps and stored belongings.

Ongoing moisture or humidity can also continue to provide favourable conditions. Effective management may require professional treatment combined with improved ventilation, moisture control and better storage practices.

Professional treatment

How Pest In The West Can Help

We assess the areas where silverfish have been noticed and investigate likely hiding places and contributing conditions.

Depending on the property and accessibility, treatment may include:

• Targeted crack-and-crevice treatments

• Treatment of suitable cupboards and storage areas

• Treatment along skirting boards and floor edges

• Treatment of accessible roof voids or wall gaps

• Professional dusts or residual products, where appropriate

• Moisture, storage and prevention recommendations

• Follow-up treatment when required

The treatment method will depend on the property, severity of activity and location of the infestation.

Preparing for treatment

Preparing for Silverfish Treatment

Elias will provide instructions suited to your property. Preparation may include:

• Clearing access to the affected cupboards and storage areas

• Removing or protecting food and personal items

• Moving suitable items away from the wall edges

• Identifying areas where silverfish have been seen

• Avoiding the use of additional sprays before treatment

• Keeping people and pets away during treatment and for the advised period

Delicate documents, photographs and valuable belongings should be handled carefully and discussed with Elias before treatment.

Prevention advice

Helping to Prevent Silverfish

You can help reduce silverfish activity by:

• Repairing leaking taps, pipes and other moisture problems

• Improving ventilation in humid rooms and storage areas

• Using moisture control where appropriate

• Storing documents and clothing in sealed containers

• Reducing unnecessary cardboard storage

• Vacuuming cupboards and undisturbed areas

• Checking stored belongings regularly

• Sealing suitable cracks and gaps

• Avoid storing valuable paper items in damp areas

Moisture problems inside the building may require assessment by an appropriately qualified tradesperson.