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Silverfish - How to prevent them and what to do if you find them

Silverfish are one of those things you don’t tend to hear too much about, but they are a problem for some homeowners within our local region.

Ever wondered what Silverfish are and how they get themselves into your home and into your cupboards? Lets find out…

What Are Silverfish?

They are obviously not fish as the name suggests…but they are a silvery coloured insect that tends to move like a fish. Their official name is Lepisma saccharinum, but most people know them as ‘silverfish’.

Silverfish are a common household pest that are found in all parts of Australia. They are a wingless insect that become a pest when they infest your home in large numbers.

Why do I have silverfish in my home?

Silverfish like all pests, need a food source and they are commonly found in cupboards, draws and furniture.  They tend to be attracted to and eat a broad range of strange things, such as glue and sticky substances, paper, paint, fabrics and sometimes even carpets.

They need places to hide, so they are often found in dark areas amongst things that are tucked away or inside books and paper. They have reasonably long lifespans of many years, which means they can be troublesome and cause a mess if they are in your home for a long period of time and are not dealt with properly.

silverfish

Are silverfish harmful to humans?

Silverfish are not reported to cause any harm to humans.  They’re not poisonous and won’t bite, but you may find that the mess they leave behind can cause allergic reactions in occupants of the home.

How do I get rid of silverfish?

They can be tricky to eradicate from your home. There are a few things home owners can do to help the situation, but it’s usually best to call in a licensed pest control professional company like ourselves to rid your home of silverfish.

What can I do to try and avoid silverfish infestations?

  • Keep your home clean and tidy – less clutter is best.
  • Fix any damp and moisture issues – most general pests are attracted to moisture.
  • Have a regular clean out so that you can see if there are any problem areas.
  • Get a professional pest spray conducted annually to keep on top of any pests at home.

How do I book a pest inspection or pest spray?

Feel free to call our pest control expert Shane on 0427 571 447 to discuss your pest control needs or click here to submit an enquiry.

We can spray your home for silverfish if you live in the Newcastle area, other local service regions we cover are; 

  • Port Stephens – Nelson Bay
  • Maitland
  • Lake Macquarie

We offer a full range of pest control services including termite inspections, pest control sprays for spiders, ants and cockroaches and more.

Shane Turner – Perimeter Pest Control, Newcastle, Port Stephens & The Hunter

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Our pest control service region includes Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & Maitland

*This article is intended as general information only, always seek professional advice from a licensed pest controller to determine the best outcome for your individual situation. If you live within our service region, we're happy to help!

 NSW Pesticide Licence No. 5074698