PreventionLow risk
How Do I Get Rid of Silverfish?
Quick answer
Reduce humidity, clutter and the starchy materials silverfish eat. Ventilate bathrooms, wardrobes and storage areas, use a dehumidifier where needed, move papers, photos and clothes into sealed plastic tubs, and vacuum shelves and cupboards regularly. If silverfish drop from the ceiling, the population may be in the roof void, where a targeted treatment can help.
Why this happens
Silverfish need humidity and a steady supply of starch and cellulose: paper, cardboard, book glue, wallpaper paste and natural fabrics. Remove either and populations decline.
They are long-lived and can survive months without food, so changes take a few weeks to show. See why I have silverfish.
What you can do
- Run exhaust fans and open windows to reduce humidity, and fix leaks.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp wardrobes, cupboards and storerooms.
- Replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic tubs.
- Vacuum bookshelves, wardrobes, skirting boards and cupboard corners.
- Use sticky monitoring traps to see where activity is highest.
What not to do
- Do not store important papers or photos in cardboard in roof spaces or garages.
If you use any insecticide, bait or trap, read the label first and follow it exactly, including directions for children and pets. Australian law requires products to be used only as the label directs.
When professional help may be needed
If silverfish keep appearing from ceilings and light fittings, a pest manager can treat the roof void as the label allows. Humidity control is still needed for lasting results.
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Local information
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Sources & further reading
- Australian Museum — insects and spiders — Australian Museum
- CSIRO — insect and pest research — CSIRO
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