Silverfish in Melbourne homes: why they appear in wardrobes and bathrooms

Silverfish are usually a moisture and storage signal. They feed on starches, paper, glue, cardboard and natural fibres, which is why they show up in wardrobes, bathrooms, bookshelves, linen cupboards and sub-floor-adjacent rooms.

Older terraces and weatherboard homes with poor ventilation can keep silverfish active all year. Apartments can also get them through storage cages, cardboard boxes and bathroom humidity.

Treatment works best when paired with moisture reduction, decluttering cardboard and improving ventilation. Killing the visible insects without changing the habitat usually gives only temporary relief.