Species guide
Silverfish
Nuisance, not harmfulLepisma saccharinum
How to recognise it
A small, wingless, silver-grey insect with a teardrop (carrot) shape, three long bristles at the tail, and a wriggling, fish-like motion. Nocturnal and found in damp, dark spots.
Is it dangerous?
Harmless to people — it doesn't bite or carry disease. It can damage paper, books, wallpaper paste and starchy fabrics.
What to do
Lower humidity, fix leaks, and declutter paper and cardboard where they feed and hide.
Recorded 10,137 times in the wild worldwide.
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