How to Identify, Stop and Get Rid of Silverfish in UK Homes

Introduction to Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects commonly found in homes and buildings across the UK. Despite their name, they aren’t fish but belong to the insect order Thysanura. While they don’t bite or spread disease, they are still considered household pests because they damage paper, clothing, wallpaper and stored items. Their presence can also signal excess humidity or other underlying property issues — similar to many common household pests in London.

In this guide, you’ll learn what silverfish are, why they become a nuisance, and—most importantly—how to get rid of silverfish and prevent them from returning using proven treatment and prevention methods.

Silverfish Physical Characteristics

Silverfish are typically 12-19 millimetres long, with a flattened, tapered body covered in silvery-grey scales. They have two long antennae on their head and three tail-like appendages called cerci, giving them a unique appearance. Silverfish are also known for their fish-like movements, as they can quickly scuttle across surfaces.

Silverfish are nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re most active during the night. They have compound eyes, which is unusual for their insect order, but these eyes are quite small and provide them with limited vision. They rely more on their antennae to navigate their surroundings and detect potential threats.

Silverfish Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a silverfish begins with the female laying eggs in a hidden location, such as cracks, crevices, or behind wallpaper. The number of eggs laid can vary, with some females laying just a few, while others may lay up to 100. Once hatched, the nymphs will undergo several moults before reaching adulthood, which can take several months to a few years, depending on the environmental conditions. Interestingly, silverfish are one of the few insects that continue to moult even after reaching maturity, and they can live for up to eight years.

🔍 Common Silverfish Hiding Spots

Silverfish thrive in damp, humid environments, which is why they’re often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, lofts, and laundry rooms. During the day, they hide in tight, dark spaces such as under sinks, behind toilets, inside cupboards, under appliances, behind wallpaper, in bookcases, under flooring, and even inside old storage boxes or laundry baskets. At night, they come out to feed, primarily consuming carbohydrates like starches, sugars, and cellulose found in everyday items such as books, wallpaper, cardboard, and clothing.

In nature, silverfish can be found in leaf litter, under rocks, and in tree bark. They are also known to inhabit caves, as the conditions in these environments provide the humidity they require.

Types of Silverfish in the UK

Several silverfish species can be found in UK properties, but the most common is Lepisma saccharina — the classic silver-grey, fast-moving insect most people recognise. Other species occasionally encountered include:

• Ctenolepisma longicaudata (long-tailed silverfish)
• Ctenolepisma lineata (four-lined silverfish)

While these species may differ slightly in appearance or habitat preference, they behave similarly and cause the same types of damage. Fortunately, the prevention and treatment methods used to control them are largely the same across all species.

Why Silverfish are a Problem

Property Damage

While silverfish don’t transmit diseases, they can cause significant damage to your property. They’re notorious for their voracious appetite, munching on anything containing cellulose, starch, or protein. This can lead to ruined books, damaged wallpaper, and destroyed clothing and textiles. They may also damage photographs, cardboard boxes, and even insulation materials.

The damage caused by silverfish is often characterised by irregular-shaped holes or notches in the affected materials. Sometimes, they may leave behind a yellowish stain on the items they’ve been feeding on.

Allergens and Health Concerns

Silverfish can also be a source of allergens, as their scales, faeces, and shed exoskeletons can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of a silverfish allergy may include sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. Additionally, their presence often attracts other pests, like spiders, that feed on them, further complicating the issue.

Indicators of a Moisture Problem

A silverfish infestation can also be a sign that your home has an underlying moisture problem. Their preference for damp environments means that if you’re finding silverfish in your home, there’s a good chance that excess moisture is present. Addressing the moisture issue is crucial not only for controlling silverfish but also for preventing other problems, such as mould growth and structural damage.

How to Prevent Silverfish Infestations

Prevention is key when it comes to silverfish — especially in older or poorly ventilated homes across London and Essex. Below are the four most effective ways to stop these pests before they become a problem.

Control Humidity

Silverfish thrive in damp, humid environments. To make your home less inviting:

• Keep humidity levels below 50%
• Use a dehumidifier in basements, bathrooms, and laundry areas
• Fix any leaky pipes or taps
• Ensure proper ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where condensation builds up

Store Items Securely

How you store household items can make a big difference. To reduce attractants:

• Keep books, paperwork, and clothing in sealed plastic containers
• Avoid storing items directly on damp floors or in humid lofts
• Store dry food like flour, sugar, and cereal in airtight containers to keep them safe from silverfish and other pests

Clean Regularly

Routine cleaning helps break the silverfish lifecycle and eliminates hiding spots. Focus on:

• Vacuuming hidden corners, skirting boards, and under furniture
• Dusting bookshelves, wardrobes, and storage units
• Cleaning dark, secluded areas such as cupboards, boiler rooms, and attic spaces

Even removing old cardboard boxes or stacks of laundry can reduce infestation risk.

Seal Gaps and Entry Points

Silverfish can enter through the tiniest of cracks. Protect your home by:

• Sealing holes where pipes and cables enter the property
• Adding door seals or draught excluders to block entry through external gaps
• Caulking gaps around window frames, skirting boards, and floorboards

Effective Silverfish Treatment Options

Once silverfish have moved in, quick action is key. Whether you prefer natural solutions or need professional help, here are your best treatment options — starting from DIY methods through to expert-level control.

Natural Remedies (For Light Infestations)

If you’ve only seen a few silverfish, start with safe, non-toxic treatments:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE):
  A fine powder made from fossilised aquatic organisms. Sprinkle it around skirting boards, behind toilets, under sinks, and other infested areas. It damages the insects’ exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
• Sticky Traps:
  Use cardboard and double-sided tape to trap silverfish overnight in known hotspots.
• Essential Oils:
  Scents like lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, or citrus can repel silverfish. Mix with water and spray in corners, along baseboards, and inside cupboards. Always test surfaces first to avoid staining.

Chemical Treatments (For Moderate Infestations)

When natural methods don’t cut it, chemical options may be needed:

• Look for insecticide sprays or powders containing permethrin or cypermethrin
• Apply in cracks, voids, under flooring, and around plumbing entry points
• Always follow label instructions and keep pets and children away until areas are safe

These treatments can be effective — but should be used carefully and only where necessary.

Professional Silverfish Control (For Persistent Infestations)

If the infestation is widespread, persistent, or keeps returning — it’s time to call in the pros.

At Bugwise Pest Control, we:

• Conduct a full property inspection
• Apply targeted residual insecticide treatments
• Identify and address entry points or moisture sources
• Include a 30-day guarantee for peace of mind

📍 Silverfish Control in London & Essex – Areas We Cover

Bugwise Pest Control provides trusted silverfish treatment services across East London and Essex. Whether you’re dealing with a minor problem or a severe infestation, our team covers the following local areas. Click to explore pest control services near you.

Barking Buckhurst Hill Canary Wharf Chigwell Dagenham East Ham East London Emerson Park Forest Gate Gidea Park Gants Hill Goodmayes Hornchurch Ilford Loughton Leyton Newham Romford Rainham Redbridge Rush Green South Woodford Stratford Tower Hamlets Upminster Walthamstow Wanstead West Ham Whitechapel Woodford