Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina
Wingless, tear-drop-shaped insect (12-19mm) covered in silvery scales that give it a metallic sheen. Moves with characteristic fish-like wriggle. Nocturnal, prefers 70-80% humidity and temperatures above 25°C — perfect for Indian bathrooms and kitchens. Feeds on starches and proteins: paper, book glue, wallpaper paste, photos, sugar, flour, dead insects, and synthetic fabrics. Can live 3+ years without reproducing if conditions are wrong.
What to look for
Evidence around the property
Risk assessment
Monitor and exclude. Low-risk pests still need prevention when activity repeats.
No direct disease risk to humans. Causes costly damage to books, archival documents, wallpaper, photographs, and stored clothing. Major pest in libraries, archives, and museums.
Practical steps before treatment
Surface Disinfection & Sanitisation
Hospital-grade ULV fogging for move-in, post-illness, or outbreak response. 99.9% pathogen kill.
Need help with silverfish activity?
Book a professional inspection and get a fixed treatment recommendation from a certified Siva technician.