Where do silverfish come from?
Most silverfish in Melbourne homes live in the roof void, where insulation, dust and timber give them food and shelter. They move down through ceiling gaps, light fittings and wall cavities into wardrobes, bookshelves and bathrooms. Treating the roof void with a fine insecticide dust is the key step in controlling them.
Signs you have silverfish
- Small silver, carrot-shaped insects darting away when disturbed
- Irregular holes or surface grazing on paper, book covers and photos
- Damage to clothing, especially linen, cotton and silk
- Yellow stains or tiny pepper-like droppings in cupboards
- Silverfish in the bath or sink, especially in the morning
Why silverfish damage adds up
Silverfish are slow to breed but long-lived, and a large population in the roof can do steady damage to stored documents, books, clothing and wallpaper over time. They are especially unwelcome in libraries, archives, schools and offices that store paper records.
How Pestor treats silverfish
Inspect
We check the roof void, wardrobes, bookshelves and damp areas to see how widespread they are.
Roof void
A fine insecticide dust is applied through the roof void, where most of the population lives.
Inside
Wardrobes, cupboards, skirting and storage areas are treated as needed.
Advise
You get tips to reduce humidity and protect stored items.
Before your silverfish treatment
- Make sure the roof manhole is accessible
- Clear the floor of wardrobes and the bottom of cupboards
- Move stored paper and boxes away from walls where possible
Prevention tips
- Reduce humidity with exhaust fans and good ventilation
- Store papers, photos and clothing in sealed plastic tubs
- Fix leaks in bathrooms and laundries
- Declutter old newspapers, cardboard and boxes
Common species in Melbourne
| Name | Scientific name | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Silverfish | Lepisma saccharinum | Silver-grey with a tapering body and three tail bristles. |
| Grey silverfish | Ctenolepisma longicaudata | Larger, grey species common in Australian homes. |
FAQs about silverfish
Are silverfish harmful?
Silverfish do not bite or spread disease. The problem is damage to paper, books, clothing and other starchy materials.
Why do silverfish appear in the bathroom?
They are attracted to moisture and often fall into baths and sinks, where the smooth sides trap them.
How long does silverfish treatment last?
Roof void dust treatments keep working for a long time if the roof stays dry. Reducing humidity helps keep silverfish down.