Pest Profile

Scientific name: Various

Silverfish are small, agile, fast-running, and wingless insects that constitute the Order ‘Thysanura’. There are approximately 28 species of silverfish found in Australia, with 5 of these species commonly found in both residential and commercial buildings.

Silverfish get their name from their silvery-grey colour and fish-like appearance. Typically, they are 13-25 mm long, with a flattened scale-covered body, long slender antennae and a tapered abdomen.

Silverfish thrive on foods or other materials that are high in protein, sugar, or starch. They will often eat cereals, such as oats and wheat flour, and can damage paper, especially if there is glue (such as wallpaper and book bindings). They can also cause damage to clothing, carpet, artwork and curtain materials containing natural fibres such as wool, cotton, paper, silk, as well as rayon fabrics.

Often nocturnal, silverfish not commonly seen during the day.  They usually live and develop in dark, cool places, especially bathrooms and basements. Large numbers may be found in new buildings where masonry may still be damp. Because silverfish need and seek moisture, they are frequently found trapped in sinks and bathtubs. They may also be found in bookcases, around closet shelves, behind skirting boards and window and door frames. Silverfish are often brought into new homes in cardboard cartons, books and papers from infested sites.

Their distribution is very wide across the world, including a desert species which can absorb enough moisture directly from the air to survive.