Do silverfish bite? No. Silverfish do not bite or sting, carry no venom, and do not spread disease to people. Their real damage is to paper, books and clothes in damp places, and seeing them is itself a sign of humidity in the house.
Why do people think they bite?
- They look unsettling and fast, and come out at night in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Many people find bumps on the skin at the same time, usually caused by another insect such as mosquitoes or bed bugs.
- Silverfish have weak mouthparts designed to scrape starch and paper, not to pierce skin.
If you have bites at night, see Insects That Bite at Night.
Are silverfish harmful?
- They damage books, papers, old photos and wallpaper, because they eat glue and starch.
- They damage clothes, especially starched cotton and linen.
- They contaminate dry food such as flour and grains if left open.
- In some people, their scales can add to allergies, like house dust.
Where do silverfish live?
- Bathrooms, under the sink, around the bath and drains.
- Kitchens, behind the fridge and under cabinets.
- Storerooms and wardrobes with old boxes and books.
- Cracks and skirting boards in damp, dark places.
They love high humidity and darkness, and can live for years if conditions suit them.
How to get rid of silverfish
- Reduce humidity: fix leaks, run the bathroom extractor fan, and use a dehumidifier in storerooms.
- Get rid of old boxes and newspapers, and store important papers in airtight plastic boxes.
- Seal cracks in skirting boards and around pipes.
- Apply dust or spray a residual insecticide into cracks, behind cabinets and under the sink as per the label.
- Monitor with glue traps in corners to find where they gather.
For full details on the insect, see Silverfish in the House.
Products from Orkida
- Demon Max by Syngenta
- Starycide 480 SC by Envu
- K-Othrine Partix by Envu (formerly Bayer)
- K-Othrine dust
- Catchmaster glue boards
Silverfish FAQs
Are silverfish poisonous?
No. They have no venom at all, and touching one or having it walk on your skin causes no harm.
Do silverfish mean a dirty house?
Not necessarily. They point to humidity more than cleanliness, and appear even in clean homes with a leak or poor ventilation.
What is the difference between silverfish and booklice?
Silverfish are longer (about 1 to 2 cm), silver in colour with tails, while booklice are very tiny and pale. See Booklice.