Silverfish are insects that often pique curiosity due to their unique appearance. Scientifically termed as Lepisma saccharina, these creatures are wingless and have existed for over 400 million years, making them among the oldest insect species on Earth.
Distinguishing characteristics of silverfish include their silvery-blue hue, which is a result of the fine scales covering their bodies. They typically measure between 12 to 19 millimetres in length. The body is teardrop-shaped, elongating from the head to tail. One notable feature is the trio of long, thread-like appendages at the rear end of their body, known as cerci. Complementing this, two long antennae protrude from their head, contributing to their elongated appearance.
Though not directly harmful to humans, their presence in households can be a sign of potential moisture issues. As they are known to feed on various household materials, their infestation can cause minor damages. If residents of Coffs Harbour suspect a silverfish problem in their homes, our pest control professionals are on hand to offer expert guidance and effective solutions.
Silverfish like damp places. If your house is moist or has wet areas, silverfish might find it a good place to live. Places like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or attics can be wet and attract silverfish.
They come out at night and like to hide in the dark during the day. Small cracks, gaps, or hidden spots in your house can be where they stay.
Silverfish eat things with sugar or starch. They like paper, glue, some clothes, and even some food we leave out. If these things are easy to find in your house, silverfish will be happy.
Having lots of things piled up or stored can also bring silverfish. They find more places to hide and more things to eat.
If you see many silverfish in your house, it’s good to check for wet areas and fix them. It also helps to clean up and store things properly. If you need more help, our pest control team in Coffs Harbour can check your house and help get rid of silverfish.
Silverfish are small, silver bugs that you might find in your house. Many people in Coffs Harbour ask if silverfish are harmful or dangerous.
The good news is silverfish do not bite people or pets. They are not poisonous, and they don’t spread diseases.
But, silverfish can cause some problems in your home. They like to eat paper, clothes, and some food we keep in our homes. Over time, if you have a lot of silverfish, they might damage books, wallpapers, or some fabrics. This means they can spoil things in your home if there are many of them.
It’s also not nice for many people to see silverfish running around, especially at night when they come out.
If you find silverfish in your house and want to make sure they don’t spoil your things, it’s good to call a pest control team. Our team in Coffs Harbour can help make sure silverfish don’t cause problems in your home.
Silverfish are small bugs that can be found in houses. Even though they are tiny, silverfish can cause some issues in your home.
Eating Paper: Silverfish like to eat paper. This means they can damage books, photos, and important papers you might have stored.
Ruining Clothes: They also eat some fabrics. Clothes or curtains made of cotton or silk can get holes or spots from silverfish.
Spoiling Food: Silverfish are attracted to food with starch. They can get into boxes of cereal, flour, or pasta and spoil the food.
Wallpaper Damage: If you have wallpaper in your home, silverfish might eat the glue behind it. This can make the wallpaper peel or come off.
General Nuisance: Many people don’t like seeing silverfish in their homes. They can be a sign that there is moisture or other problems in the house.
If you see silverfish causing damage in your house, it’s good to take action. Our pest control team in Coffs Harbour can help stop silverfish and fix any problems they might bring.
(Lepisma saccharina)
This is the most widespread species and the one people are most familiar with. It’s silver-grey in colour and usually found in human homes, especially in moist, humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
(Ctenolepisma lineata)
Slightly larger than the common silverfish, it has four distinct lines running down its back. It’s often found in warmer regions and prefers areas with higher temperatures.
(Ctenolepisma longicaudata)
As the name suggests, this silverfish is gray in colour. It’s known for its longer tail filaments and is often found in colder, more temperate regions.
(Thermobia domestica)
While not a silverfish in the strictest sense, firebrats are closely related and share many similarities in appearance and behaviour. They prefer warmer habitats and are often found near furnaces, fireplaces, and heating units.
(Ctenolepisma gigantea)
This species is larger than the common silverfish and can be found in both outdoor and indoor environments.