Quick facts
- Species
- Common silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)
- Size
- About 10 to 12 mm, silvery-grey, tapering body with three tail bristles
- Habitat
- Damp, dark places: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, behind skirting boards
- Food
- Starchy materials such as paper, glue, book bindings, flour and cotton
- Lifespan
- Can live for several years and can survive long periods without food
How to identify silverfish
Silverfish are wingless insects with a fish-like wriggling movement and a tapered silvery body. They are fast-moving, avoid light and are usually seen at night in sinks, baths or cupboards. They are not related to fish or to the more serious pests such as cockroaches, although the two are often confused.
Their presence usually points to humidity. They prefer damp, warm conditions and settle in places such as behind bath panels, in kitchens, in basements and in airing cupboards.
Signs of silverfish in your home
- Silvery insects darting away when the light goes on
- Small holes or surface damage to paper, books and wallpaper
- Yellowish stains or tiny pepper-like droppings on stored goods
- Shed skins in damp areas
- Damage to cotton, linen or silk
Risks and damage
Silverfish do not bite or spread disease, but they damage paper goods, photographs, book bindings and fabrics. Their presence also signals excess humidity, which can lead to mould and affect health.
Why silverfish come into properties
High humidity, poor ventilation, leaks, condensation and cluttered, undisturbed storage. They are common in older buildings and flats with shared walls.
How to prevent silverfish
- Reduce humidity with extractor fans, dehumidifiers and open windows
- Repair leaks and treat damp
- Store paper, books and clothing in sealed plastic boxes rather than cardboard
- Seal cracks and gaps around pipes, skirting boards and bath panels
- Vacuum and declutter damp areas regularly
Professional silverfish control by Southwark Pests
Professional treatment uses residual insecticides or dusts in cracks and voids where silverfish hide. Lasting control depends on correcting the damp, otherwise they return. A technician can help identify moisture sources, or you may need a damp specialist or plumber.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if you see silverfish regularly, if they are damaging valuable items, or if there is an underlying damp problem you cannot trace.
Silverfish control across Southwark and London
We see more and more grey silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum) in newer flats around Canada Water, Elephant and Castle and Greenwich, where they arrive in building materials and cardboard and spread through warm, dry buildings. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Silverfish control: questions and answers
Are silverfish harmful?
Not to health. They are a nuisance that damages paper and fabrics.
Why do I have silverfish?
Usually humidity, as they thrive in damp, dark places.
Do silverfish come from drains?
They may use drains and pipe runs to move between rooms, but they live wherever it is damp and sheltered.
How can I get rid of silverfish?
Fix the damp, reduce clutter and use targeted treatment in hiding places. Persistent cases need professional help.
Do silverfish bite?
No. They feed on starchy materials, not people.
Are silverfish and earwigs the same?
No. Earwigs have pincers on the rear, while silverfish have three tail bristles and a silvery appearance.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.