Silverfish
Guaranteed eco-friendly silverfish removal across Melbourne — certified technicians, same-day service.
Silverfish Pest Control & Removal Services in Melbourne
Whether you reside in Melbourne or any other part of the world, it is very common for you to find yourself stuck with a silverfish infestation issue.
Since they can thrive in almost every climate, it is very easy for them to soon set up their colony. However, once the colony is established, it will make it even harder for you to go about your regular routine without being creeped out by their constant presence.
If you sense an infestation already present in your home or business premises, it is best for you to contact the pest control and removal expert to get your home inspected immediately. Call 03 9449 4244 today.
How to Identify a Silverfish?
- Grey or silvery in colour and shiny.
- Size varies between 10–12 mm long.
- They are wingless, with 6 legs and have 2 long antennas.
- They are tapered towards the end, rendering a tail-like look.
- They have a flat body along with 3 long appendages at the rear end.
Where Do Silverfish Live?
Just like other pests, silverfish love damp, dark, and moist locations and are usually found in locations that suit their preference.
In your home or business premise, these damp and dark locations include attics, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and storerooms. Since they love munching on items containing complex sugars, they can often be found near books, paper, and food storage areas.
In addition, they are also known for their love for silk and cotton cloth, so be sure to look through your clothes and carpets for any signs of an infestation.
If you do notice any signs, contact a control and removal expert today for a thorough inspection of your home or business premise.
Types of Silverfish in Melbourne That Invade Your Home & Business Premises
Common Silverfish
These insects are mostly found in dark moist hidden areas, such as your basement and kitchen. They are about 0.5–1 inch long, live for about 8–10 years, and are silver or grey in colour.
Grey Silverfish
As their name suggests, these insects are dark grey or grey in color and they live in small confined spaces such as bathroom pipes, basements, etc.
Firebrat
As compared to the other types of silverfish, the firebrat is a very different type of insect. It is yellow in color and prefers hot climates with the temperature higher than 37°C. Unlike other silverfish, it has a spotted appearance.
Jumping Bristletail
This type of insect is usually found outdoors, like in gardens, among pebbles, grass, or stones. They are silver in color and grow more than 0.5 inches.
Four-lined Silverfish
As their name describes, these insects have 3–4 lines on their stomach and are longer than the other type of silverfish. They too are found outdoors and prefer dry environments.
Bristletail
Although they belong to the insect family, they are mentioned among silverfish. This insect is found outdoor among rocks, decaying leaves, and wood, and has a humped appearance.
Facts About Silverfish
- They love munching on items containing complex sugars, including paper, clothing, carpets and glue. They also consume other animal and plant materials like leather, silk, and cotton.
- They are nocturnal, therefore, they like dark and secluded areas, making it harder to spot them during an inspection.
- They can survive for weeks without food but need a humid environment to thrive.
- Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices — a single female can lay up to 20 eggs per day.
Harmful Effects of Silverfish on Human Life
Silverfish are attracted to food items, paper, albums, books, cloth, carpets, and glue, but it is also known to cause some damage to humans. No, they do not bite, however, their scales could trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions on the skin for some individuals.
They can also cause an allergic reaction to any human that uses an infected cloth. If the infected food item is consumed by humans it can also cause illness. Their droppings can also cause skin rash and irritation.
Signs of a Silverfish Infestation
- Spotting a Live Specimen: Even though this sounds obvious, most people turn a blind eye to the issue even after spotting a live insect crawling around. Silverfish are quick and often seen at night near sinks and bathtubs.
- Droppings: Small black pepper-like droppings in cupboards, bookshelves, or along skirting boards.
- Yellow Stains or Scales: Yellow staining on paper or fabric, or tiny silvery scales left behind as they move.
- Damage to Paper & Fabric: Irregular holes or surface etchings on wallpaper, books, and clothing are a strong indicator of activity.
How to Control & Remove Silverfish from Your Home & Business Premises
- Store Food Items in Sealed Containers: Doing this will not only make your pantry look organised but it will also prevent any future damage caused by a pest problem. It will keep the food dry and sealed and out of the reach of a silverfish infestation.
- Use Dehumidifiers in Humid Places: Since silverfish love humid climates, the best way to prevent silverfish is by installing dehumidifiers for humid places especially bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum carpets, bookshelves, and storage areas frequently to remove eggs and insects.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Block entry points around pipes, skirting boards, and wall gaps to prevent movement between rooms.
Silverfish Control & Removal Methods
- Pro-active Spray: Apply a silverfish control and removal treatment spray to the walls and flooring of your home or business space once every 30 days to get rid of any existing infestation and prevent future ones.
- Insecticidal Dust: Suitable for wall voids, roof spaces and sub-floor areas where silverfish hide and breed.
- Baits and Sticky Traps: Placed in high-activity areas to monitor and reduce populations over time.
- Professional Inspection & Treatment: A qualified technician will identify the species, locate harborage areas, and recommend the most effective program for your situation.
Get in touch with a professional from Protech Pest Control by calling 03 9449 4244.
Why Protech Pest Control Melbourne for Removal Treatment and Control Service?
In Melbourne, Protech Pest Control is a well-known Pest Control & Removal Service Expert that offers thorough inspections and eco-friendly pest control services. With 40+ years of experience and certified technicians, we provide guaranteed, safe, and effective solutions for your home or business.
- 40+ years of experience in pest management
- Licensed, insured, and accredited technicians
- Eco-friendly products safe for children and pets
- Same-day service available across Melbourne
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Free quotes — no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Silverfish Harm Humans?
Silverfish do not harm humans directly but they can be a cause for asthma attacks and allergic reactions or in some cases can cause illness due to consuming infected food items.
How to Protect Your Home or Business Premise From Silverfish?
Vacuuming regularly, storing food items in sealed containers, eliminating any excess storage of paper, using dehumidifiers, baits like sticky traps and conducting regular inspections are a few ways to keep silverfish away.
What Kind of Property Damage can These Insects Do?
From chewing on your wallpapers, photo albums, food items, cereal boxes, cotton cloths and silk cloths to ruining your carpet! They are known to cause a lot of damage to your property.
How to Identify an Insect Infestation?
Look for any droppings, skin, yellow stain, nibbled paper items or cloth and live specimens. If you notice any one of these, there surely is an infestation.
Is the Chemical Used Eco-friendly?
Yes, Protech Pest Control only uses eco-friendly products and treatments for their services that are safe to use around children and pets.
Cost of Treatment Service?
The cost of the treatment service depends on the type of treatment service suggested post-inspection. To get a free quote for the service, you can contact our experts at Protech Pest Control.
Client Testimonials
It not often that you come across such a professional and customer focused service. They took the time to explain why we had the issue, what needed to be done, and how to prevent it from happening again. Highly recommend Protech Pest Control.
– John ConnellLearn More About Pest Solutions
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