Have you seen Silverfish in your Business or Property?
Have you seen silverfish in your business or property? This week, we’re looking at the problem of silverfish and how to prevent them.
Philip Martin
3 min read
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Silverfish making life difficult? Let us help!
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PGM provides specialist silverfish inspection, monitoring, and targeted treatments—identifying sources, applying precision insecticide control, and addressing environmental factors to reduce reinfestation risk. Trusted across Herefordshire and Worcestershire for fast, effective silverfish control in residential and commercial properties. Silverfish FAQs >
What are silverfish and how they infest your property
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are moisture-loving, cryptobiotic insects found in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, lofts, and basements. Infestations are linked to high humidity, hidden harbourages, and cellulose-based food sources, and can develop unnoticed.
Silverfish consume polysaccharides found in bookbinding gums, wallpaper paste, and paper. Eradication is best handled by professional pest control specialists.
Silverfish infestations can occur in a variety of situations, including:
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Damp, poorly ventilated areas (bathrooms, kitchens, lofts, basements)
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High humidity or unresolved moisture problems
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Hidden voids, cracks, and structural gaps
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Storage of paper, cardboard, books, and cellulose materials
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Newly built or recently renovated damp properties
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Warm, humid commercial spaces (offices, stockrooms, archives)
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Water leaks, condensation, or poor insulation
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Undisturbed areas (cupboards, skirting boards, under flooring)
Signs of a silverfish infestation
Silverfish infestations are often identified in damp, undisturbed areas of a property and may remain hidden for long periods before activity becomes noticeable.
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Common signs include:
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Physical damage (feeding marks): Irregular holes in paper, books, wallpaper, cardboard, and fabrics
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Droppings (frass): Small black, pepper-like pellets in cupboards, shelves, or behind furniture
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Shed skins: Tiny, translucent scale-like castings from growth stages
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Yellow staining: Discolouration on paper, fabrics, or other materials they’ve fed on
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Visible sightings: Fast-moving, wingless silver insects seen at night in damp areas (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms)
Other indicators include increased sightings at night, activity in areas with high humidity, and movement emerging from wall voids, floor gaps, or behind fixtures.
Silverfish lifecycle and why it matters for effective control
Why specialist care matters for safe eradication and treatment success
Silverfish have a long, cryptobiotic lifecycle that allows infestations to persist unnoticed in hidden, damp areas. Effective control must target both the insects and the environmental conditions that support them.
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Silverfish thrive in humid, dark environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, lofts, and voids
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Eggs are laid in concealed cracks, crevices, and sheltered harbourage sites
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Nymphs develop slowly, moulting multiple times before reaching adulthood
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Adults can live for several years, continuing to reproduce under suitable conditions
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Populations remain active year-round in warm, humid indoor environments
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Effective control focuses on identifying infestation sources, reducing humidity, and treating harbourage areas rather than only targeting visible activity. Silverfish often persist in the same locations over time. While treatment removes active populations, long-term success depends on addressing moisture levels and access points to prevent reinfestation.
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Effective silverfish control solutions
Professional silverfish control targets both active infestations and the underlying environmental conditions that allow them to persist, helping prevent recurrence in residential and commercial properties.
Our RSPH qualified, NPTA and BPCA accredited team provides specialist fly control for homes and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our silverfish treatments may include:
Targeted insecticide application
Treats cracks, crevices, and harbourage areas where silverfish hide and breed.
Moisture and habitat management advice
Identifies damp sources and environmental conditions contributing to infestation.
Void, skirting, and void-space treatments
Applies residual products to concealed areas where silverfish populations establish.
Monitoring and follow-up inspections
Ensures treatment effectiveness and reduces risk of reinfestation.
How long does it take to get rid of silverfish?
Most infestations require 1–2 treatments depending on severity and environmental conditions, with ongoing moisture control key to long-term success.
Professional silverfish control that actually works
3 simple steps to a silverfish-free property
Request a Quote or On-site Assessment
Contact us to arrange a no-obligation quote. Our qualified experts will evaluate your silverfish issue and identify the best eradication approach.
Receive a Customised Treatment Plan
Our management team will provide a tailored control strategy designed specifically for your property or industry compliance requirements.
Removal & Ongoing Monitoring
Rest assured—we’ll manage the removal process, monitor progress, and recommend long-term preventative solutions for sustained protection.
Why choose our silverfish control experts
Our strength is built on expertise and professionalism. All PGM Pest Control technicians are fully trained in silverfish biology and equipped with the latest industry leading equipment. Our award-winning senior lead technician, Phil Martin, holds the prestigious RSPH Level 3 Award, ensuring expert leadership and compliance across every job.
Dedicated pest control experts
RSPH level 2 + 3, NPTA, BPCA accredited member, adhere to UK comliance regulations.
Covering Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Rapid response, local pest control teams across Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
10+ years experience
Proven track record, we've helped thousands of homeowners and businesses stay pest-free.
Eco sustainable methods
Eco-friendly pest solutions, and compliant with health, safety & hygiene regulations.
Tailored approach to IPM
Award-winning pest solutions, integrated management designed for long-term success.
Meet the BPCA-accredited silverfish control specialists
PGM’s professional silverfish control team operates across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, providing fast, affordable treatments.
Our RSPH trained technicians locate infestations, remove active silverfish, and help prevent them from returning.
Phil Martin
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Joe Martin
PEST TECHNICIAN
Mark Pitt
PEST TECHNICIAN
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Awards & Accreditations
Our commitment to excellence
An award-winning team of pest experts
PGM is committed to delivering professional pest control services to the highest industry standards. Our technicians receive ongoing training, certification and professional development to ensure safe, effective, compliant pest management for homes and businesses. PGM has been recognised with multiple industry awards, accreditations and professional memberships, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer service.
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RSPH Pest Management Qualifications
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BPCA Accredited Membership
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NPTA Certified Pest Technicians
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CRRU Best Practice Compliance
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Licensed by the Environment Agency
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Responsible Pest Management Practices
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Locally Accredited Business
Innovating Pest Control for a Safer Future
Our family and pet-safe technologies have established PGM & Son as a leader in sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control services. Safe, Certified & Fully Accredited.
"I can't speak highly enough of PGM. They were quick to respond, extremely accommodating with our timetable and efficiently dealt with our infestation. A very satisfied customer."
Need silverfish advice? use PGM AI pest assist for fast answers ↘
Silverfish control in your local area
Areas PGM cover for professional silverfish control
Our RSPH qualified, BPCA, and NPTA-accredited pest control technicians provide specialist silverfish control to all areas including Hereford, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Bromyard, Kington, Worcester, Redditch, Kidderminster, Malvern, Bromsgrove, and Evesham. The PGM discreet, unmarked vehicles ensure fast, affordable, reliable local service for homes and businesses, areas we cover:
From village lanes to town centres, we’re just around the corner.
100% coverage to HR postcodes — we’re ready when you are!
Ashfield
Aston Crews
Ashley Moor
Aston Ingham
Ashperton
Auberrow
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All local technicians are highly trained and certified pest controllers
Rated excellent on Trustpilot committed to customer service
Environmentally friendly cost effective pest control solutions
Silverfish treatment cost
Every pest control situation is unique. The treatment required for your property depends on several factors including the size of your property and the extent of the problem you’re facing. Because no two jobs are the same, we don’t publish standard prices – instead, we provide you with a personalised quote based on your specific circumstances.
Requesting your fixed-price quote
When you contact PGM, we’ll discuss your pest issue and gather the details we need to give you an accurate quote. Our quotes are fixed-price with no hidden charges or unexpected costs – what we quote is what you pay. In certain situations, we may recommend a property inspection before finalising your quote. This allows us to properly assess the situation, and ensure we recommend the right treatment approach. If an inspection is necessary, we’ll explain this to you and let you know whether there’s any charge involved.
Frequently asked questions about silverfish control and infestations
What do Silverfish look like?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects, typically 12mm in length, with flattened, elongated, carrot-shaped bodies covered in silvery or greyish metallic scales. They are known for their fish-like wiggling movement, two long antennae, and three long, bristle-like appendages on their rear end.
Where do silverfish come from?
Silverfish come from damp, dark, and cluttered outdoor areas—such as under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter—but they enter homes seeking moisture, warmth, and food sources like paper and starch. They typically enter through cracks in foundations, doors, and windows, often sneaking in unnoticed due to their small size and nocturnal nature.
Can I get rid of silverfish myself, or do I need professional treatment?
While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional pest control services are recommended for a more comprehensive and lasting solution.
How long does a professional silverfish treatment take?
A professional silverfish treatment typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes for the initial application, depending on the severity of the infestation and the number of rooms. While the spray application is quick, total eradication may take several weeks, often requiring a follow-up visit 7–14 days later to handle hatching eggs.
What should I do if I find silverfish in my home?
You can contact PGM on 01981 540088 or booking form to request a free affordable fixed-price quote. Our team will assess your needs and provide a transparent, no-obligation estimate. Read more helpful FAQs >
Still concerned about SILVERFISH in your property?
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