Silverfish Control & Natural Remedies

Silverfish are small, wingless insects often found in Australian homes—particularly in bathrooms, wardrobes, and kitchen cupboards. While they don’t pose a direct health risk, silverfish can cause damage to paper, fabrics, and stored goods. If you are dealing with a silverfish problem, this guide will help you identify them, understand their habits, and explore effective methods for silverfish control—including natural remedies, expert treatment options, and tips on how to prevent silverfish in your home.

Silverfish Appearance

The most common colour of silverfish is silver, some species can also have slight brown to blue wash through their colour appearance. Their size can rage from 12 to 30mm and their body is shaped like a teardrop. They have 3 bristles with on their rear and two long antennae on the front.

Where are they found?

Silverfish can survive in all climates but prefer dark or damp areas. Most homeowners find them in shoeboxes, cupboards, sheds, and garages and also your walk in wardrobe. Their diet consists of material including sugars or starch. They have known to eat glue in books, linen and silk clothes.

Silverfish reproduction

Silverfish reproduction can differ depending on species; some species lay a small amount of eggs per day, maybe 2 to 6. Where other species can lay 4 to 25 eggs. Their eggs are small and oval looking; they are approximately 0.8mm long and taken between 2 to 4 weeks to hatch.

How to prevent silverfish in your house

• Remove any moisture in dark areas around your home, as they are addicted to moisture
• Provide proper ventilation in your bathroom during and after showering
• Remove junk in your bathroom and hang wet towels
• Remove any still water
• Repair cracks on the walls as it is a favorite hang out for silverfish
• Hire a pest professional to regularly treat your property for pests including silverfish

How to get rid of silverfish with expert treatment

Treating silverfish successfully can be a difficult task as they are nocturnal and active at night. Treating of silverfish usually consists of applying a fine film of dust that contains a small amount of pesticide. This is lightly misted throughout the roof void, under and behind benches and cupboards. This way it is almost impossible for silverfish not to come into contact with the dust.

Natural way to get rid of silverfish

Silverfish repellents help keep these unwanted pests away by targeting their dislike for certain scents and environments. Natural options are not only safe for your family and pets but also effective when used consistently. Some of the best natural silverfish repellents include:

1. 1. Lavender Oil- silverfish will retreat areas were the scent of lavender oil is present. It can be used in a spray bottle with water added.
2. 2. Mothballs- silverfish hate the smell of mothballs. Place these mothballs anywhere silverfish is regularly seen.
3. 3. Bay leaves- silverfish don’t like scent of bay leaves or cloves. Place these where insects appear.

These methods will deter silverfish but may not fix the population on silverfish in your home.

Getting rid of silverfish in bathroom, wardrobe, and cupboards

Silverfish love moisture and dark spaces, which is why they are frequently found in bathrooms, wardrobes, and kitchen cupboards.

• Bathroom: Improve ventilation, dry floors and walls after showers, and use lavender or vinegar spray near corners and drains to repel silverfish naturally.

• Wardrobe: Use dried bay leaves or cedar balls inside drawers to deter silverfish. Store seasonal clothes in airtight containers to avoid damage.

• Cupboards: Clean pantry shelves regularly and keep food in sealed containers. Place cloves or mothballs in corners where silverfish might hide.

These small adjustments help get rid of silverfish in bathrooms and wardrobes and reduce the risk of recurring infestations.

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