What are silverfish?
Silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudata) belong to the family of scaly silverfish and are true survivors. They resemble the well-known silverfish but also thrive in dry and warm rooms – so not only in the bathroom but also in living rooms, offices, or archives.
They grow about 10 to 15 millimeters, have a flat, silvery-gray body, long antennae, and three small tail appendages. Their favorite food: cellulose, starch, and sugar – so paper, wallpaper, photos, cardboard, books, or even glue and fabrics containing starch.
Where do silverfish stay?
Since silverfish are light-shy and nocturnal, you hardly see them during the day. They hide in narrow, dark crevices – perfectly camouflaged and hard to find.
Typical places where they stay:
- behind baseboards, sockets, or wallpaper
- in boxes, bookshelves, file folders, and cabinets
- under furniture or in wall cavities
- in storage rooms, archives, or attics
They love it warm (between 20 and 26 °C) and rather dry – so exactly where you probably find it cozy.
How do you recognize an infestation?
Silverfish are masters at hiding. Still, there are signs you can easily recognize:
- small, silvery-gray insects with long antennae – mostly visible at night
- fine feeding marks on paper, boxes, or wallpaper
- tiny molting remains or flakes in corners or behind furniture
- Movements in dark areas or when opening old boxes
If you discover such signs, it's time to act – because an infestation spreads quietly but steadily.
What can you do about it?
1. Order and Hygiene
Silverfish need hiding places – so take them away.
- Tidy up regularly, especially in corners, boxes, and under furniture.
- Check stacks of paper, files, and packaging.
- Keep your rooms clean, without food residues or dust nests.
2. Seal Cracks
Seal gaps and cracks at baseboards, sockets, and walls. This greatly limits their hiding places and prevents new nests.
3. The Right Control Method
If the insects are already on the move, home remedies hardly help.
Here, the targeted use of a professional gel is worthwhile – we recommend the Advion Silverfish Gel.
- Simply apply small gel dots along pathways, behind furniture, or under shelves.
- The silverfish take up the gel and carry it to their hiding places – this gradually eliminates the entire population.
- Odorless, easy to apply, and discreet – ideal for apartments, offices, and storage areas.
💡 Tip: Do not use other insect sprays at the same time! These could repel the insects and reduce the effectiveness of the gel.
4. Inspection and Patience
The effect does not happen overnight – give the gel a few weeks. Regularly check the affected areas and repeat the application if necessary. With a little patience, you will get rid of the uninvited guests permanently.
Conclusion
Silverfish often remain undetected for a long time – until damage becomes visible.
With a little attention, good prevention, and a targeted product like Advion Silverfish Gel, you can effectively combat them and protect your home permanently.
