What Attracts Silverfish to Your Home — And How to Get Rid of Them Naturally

July 16 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 13 min reading time

Ever turned on the bathroom light only to catch a little silver critter zipping across the floor like it’s late for a meeting? That’s probably a silverfish — and yes, they’ve made themselves quite at home in many Aussie households. They might look harmless (and admittedly a bit prehistoric), but left to their own devices, they can turn into tiny troublemakers.

These nocturnal insects thrive in dark, damp environments and are often found lurking in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, or hidden away in cardboard boxes and bookshelves. Their name comes from their distinctive silvery sheen and fish-like movements — but unlike fish, they’re not something you want swimming through your home.

Australia is home to around 28 identified species of silverfish, with several of them regularly making their way into buildings and households across the country. Once inside, they feed on starchy materials like paper, glue, fabrics, and even pantry staples, making them both persistent and destructive.

While silverfish aren’t dangerous to humans, they can damage the items in your house.

Let’s take a closer look at what attracts silverfish into your home, how to tell if you’ve got a problem, and most importantly — what you can do to get rid of them naturally and effectively.

What attracts silverfish to your home

To get rid of silverfish — or better yet, prevent them from moving in — it helps to understand what’s drawing them inside in the first place. These little insects aren’t invading your space out of spite; they’re simply following their basic survival instincts. And unfortunately, our homes often offer exactly what they’re after: food, moisture, shelter, and darkness.

1. Moisture and humidity

Silverfish absolutely thrive in damp, humid environments. Think bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, basements, and anywhere else that stays moist and poorly ventilated. That’s because their bodies require a certain level of humidity — ideally above 75% — to stay hydrated. Unlike humans, silverfish don’t drink water the way we do. Instead, they absorb moisture from their surroundings, which is why they gravitate towards steamy, condensation-prone areas.

2. Starchy and sugary materials

Silverfish have a serious sweet tooth — or rather, a strong attraction to carbohydrates, especially those found in natural materials. Their diet includes sugars, starches, and polysaccharides found in:

Paper, books, and cardboard
Wallpaper glue and bookbinding paste
Dandruff and skin flakes
Cotton, linen, and other natural fibres
Pantry items like flour, oats, and cereals

Why these things? It’s all thanks to their ancient digestive system. Silverfish evolved to feed on substances rich in cellulose and starch, which they break down using special enzymes. In the wild, that would’ve meant rotting wood, decaying plants, or fungi — but in modern homes, they’ve adapted to munch on your old receipts and pantry staples instead.

3. Darkness and shelter

Silverfish are nocturnal and shy by nature. They actively avoid light and are most comfortable in dark, undisturbed spaces — like behind the fridge, in the back of your wardrobe, under the sink, or inside sealed cardboard boxes.

These hidden areas provide the perfect breeding ground, allowing them to lay eggs in safety and continue the cycle without being detected. The less you move or clean an area, the more attractive it becomes.

4. Clutter and storage materials

Got a pile of newspapers, unopened mail, or boxes of old clothes sitting in storage? Silverfish will gladly turn that into their new apartment complex. They love clutter because it means:

More hiding places
Steady access to food (paper, glue, fabric)
Fewer disturbances from humans or pets

Cardboard, in particular, is a double win for them — it provides both shelter and a food source in one tidy package.

In short, silverfish are survivors. And did you know they’ve been around for over 400 million years? These ancient insects have outlived the dinosaurs and are considered one of the oldest insect species on Earth. Tough, adaptable, and annoyingly persistent, they’re drawn to homes that offer moisture, easy access to food (even if that food is your wallpaper), and dark, undisturbed corners to hide and reproduce. Once they find all three, they’re in no hurry to leave — which is why spotting one is often a sign it’s time to take action.

Signs of a silverfish infestation

Silverfish are sneaky little creatures. Because they’re nocturnal and tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas, it’s not always obvious when you have an infestation brewing. You might not see them often — but they’ll leave subtle clues behind if you know what to look for.

1. Damage to paper, books, or fabrics

One of the most telltale signs of silverfish is irregular holes, notches, or surface etching in starchy materials. They like to nibble on:

Paper (especially older books or documents)
Cardboard boxes
Wallpaper and glue
Clothing made from cotton, linen, or silk

2. Yellowish stains or scales

Silverfish shed their scales and exoskeletons as they grow, leaving behind tiny, translucent bits that might look like fine dust or flakes. You may also find yellowish stains on surfaces, books, or fabric — a subtle but common sign of their presence.

These marks typically come from:

Digestive enzymes and excretions: Silverfish secrete enzymes to break down starchy materials like paper, card, or glue. These substances are corrosive and leave behind yellowish or brownish stains on absorbent surfaces
Shed scales and exoskeleton remnants: As they grow, silverfish continuously moult, leaving behind tiny pale-yellow scales or film-like pieces. These flakes accumulate in dark corners, creating visible discolouration over time

3. Silverfish eggs or droppings

Image Source: Fedpest

Their eggs are very small (about 1mm), white, and often laid in cracks, crevices, or hidden corners. They can be hard to spot, but if you see clusters of tiny, pepper-like droppings around baseboards, cupboards, or storage areas, silverfish may be breeding nearby.

4. Spotting live silverfish (usually at night)

Since they’re nocturnal, you’re most likely to see them darting across the floor or wall in the bathroom, laundry, or kitchen late at night. They're fast movers — so if you do spot one, chances are there are more hiding somewhere nearby.

5. Activity around clutter or storage boxes

If you’ve opened a long-forgotten storage box only to find yellow stains, chew marks, or tiny shed skins inside, it's a strong indication of silverfish activity. They love cardboard and paper — especially when it's left undisturbed for long periods.

How to stop silverfish naturally

When it comes to pest control, many people want results — but without exposing their home, family, or pets to harsh chemicals.The good news is, you don’t need to reach for toxic sprays to deal with silverfish. With the right combination of natural deterrents, home hygiene habits, and clever traps, you can get silverfish under control the eco-friendly way.

1. Reduce moisture and humidity

Since silverfish thrive in damp environments, the first step is to make your home less inviting:

Use a dehumidifier in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, laundries, and basements.
Fix any leaks under sinks, behind toilets, or near appliances.
Open windows or use exhaust fans to ventilate steamy areas.
Dry off wet surfaces — even a damp bathmat can be enough to attract them.

2. Keep your home clean and clutter-free

Silverfish love hiding in dark, undisturbed spots — so the less clutter you have, the fewer hiding places they’ll find:

Vacuum regularly, especially along skirting boards, under furniture, and in storage areas.
Store paper, books, and old clothing in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
Clear out stacks of newspaper or mail you no longer need — silverfish see it as both food and shelter.

3. Seal entry points

Tiny gaps around windows, skirting boards, cupboards, or pipes can become silverfish superhighways. Block them out by:

Sealing cracks with silicone or caulk.
Using weather strips on doors and windows.
Installing mesh covers over vents, drains, or weep holes if necessary.

4. Try natural silverfish repellents

Essential oils are a safe and pleasant-smelling way to repel insects, and this includes silverfish. Some of their least favourite scents include:

Lavender
Eucalyptus
Cedarwood
Lemon

You can mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz problem areas like baseboards, cupboards, and wardrobe corners. Alternatively, place cotton balls soaked in oil inside drawers and storage boxes.

5. Use a natural silverfish trap

Traps are a fantastic way to monitor and reduce silverfish numbers — especially when you use a natural, chemical-free option. Many traditional pest control products rely on harsh toxins, but newer alternatives focus on eco-friendly ingredients and targeted luring systems.

For example, the Super Ninja Silverfish Trap offers a natural and effective solution. It uses a protein-based glue attractant specifically designed to lure and trap silverfish without any harmful chemicals. These traps are safe to use in homes with kids or pets, and they work quietly in the background while you take care of prevention elsewhere.

Place them in common problem areas like:

Cupboards and drawers
Under the sink
Near bookshelves or cardboard storage
Inside wardrobes or linen cupboards

With a little persistence and a focus on prevention, you can keep silverfish out of your home — and do it in a way that’s safe, simple, and sustainable.

When to consider professional help

While natural methods and preventive steps are often enough to handle a minor silverfish problem, there are times when calling in the experts is the smartest move — especially if things are starting to feel out of control.

1. You’re seeing silverfish regularly in multiple areas

If silverfish are popping up in more than just the bathroom or laundry — say, in bedrooms, kitchen cupboards, or behind furniture — it’s likely that you’re dealing with a larger infestation. The more widespread the activity, the harder it is to manage with DIY methods alone.

2. Natural remedies aren’t working

Tried traps, sprays, essential oils, and moisture control — but they keep coming back? Silverfish are incredibly resilient, and in some cases, natural solutions may not be enough to fully eliminate the breeding cycle. A pest professional can help locate hidden nesting sites and apply targeted treatment where it’s needed most.

3. You suspect a hidden moisture problem

Sometimes, persistent silverfish activity is a symptom of something bigger — like a leak behind the walls, rising damp, or poor subfloor ventilation. In these cases, a pest controller may work alongside a plumber or building inspector to identify and solve the root issue.

4. You want peace of mind

There’s no shame in getting help — especially when silverfish just won’t quit. Professional pest controllers have access to specialised tools, monitoring systems, and treatment options that aren’t available to the general public. In many cases, a single visit can stop an infestation in its tracks.

If in doubt, start with a home inspection or quote — many pest control companies in Australia offer this for free or at low cost. The sooner you act, the easier (and more affordable) it is to solve.

Conclusion

They may be tiny and quiet, but silverfish can cause big headaches if they’re allowed to settle in. Fortunately, with the right mix of natural prevention methods, moisture control, and targeted traps, you can stop them in their tracks — before things spiral into a full-blown infestation.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind before you go:

Silverfish prevention & control checklist

Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers or better ventilation
Fix leaks and wipe down damp surfaces regularly
Declutter dark storage areas (paper, cardboard, old clothes)
Store pantry items and documents in airtight, sealed containers
Use natural repellents like lavender, citrus, or cedarwood oils
Place natural traps like the Super Ninja Silverfish Trap in problem areas
Vacuum and clean skirting boards, cupboards, and under furniture
Seal cracks and crevices where silverfish may be hiding
Monitor for yellow stains, shed skins, and feeding damage
Call a professional if signs persist or spread throughout your home