Over the past year, Central Pest Control has noticed a sharp increase in service calls related to silverfish infestations, especially in newer residential builds across Dublin. Many homeowners and businesses are puzzled – why now, and why in newly constructed properties?
In this post, we’ll explain:
✔️ What silverfish are
✔️ Why they’re showing up more often in new homes
✔️ The problems they can cause
✔️ How to prevent and treat infestations
🐛 What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are small, wingless insects named for their silvery-grey colour and fish-like wriggling movement. They’re most active at night and prefer dark, damp environments such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and storage areas.
Although harmless to humans (they don’t bite or spread disease), they can damage paper, fabrics, books, and wallpaper making them unwelcome guests in any home.
🏗 Why Are They Increasing in New Builds?
It may seem counterintuitive that modern homes – built with better materials and design – are seeing more silverfish. However, several factors contribute:
1. High Moisture in New Construction
New builds often use materials like concrete and plaster that retain moisture as they cure. Until fully dried out, this can create ideal humid conditions for silverfish.
2. Insulation & Airtightness
Modern building standards focus on energy efficiency. Tightly sealed homes with good insulation can trap humidity inside, creating damp pockets ideal for silverfish.
3. Under-Ventilated Wet Rooms
Bathrooms, en-suite showers, and utility rooms in new designs sometimes lack adequate airflow or extraction – again increasing humidity where silverfish thrive.
4. Landscaping & Soil Contact
Properties with unfinished landscaping or soil close to walls can increase moisture ingress into foundations and ground-floor levels.
⚠️ Problems Caused by Silverfish
Although they don’t pose a health risk, silverfish can still be damaging and distressing:
📌 Cosmetic damage to wallpaper, paint, and plaster
📌 Chewed materials – especially paper, cardboard, and fabrics (e.g., linen, cotton)
📌 Contamination of stored goods, including cereals and dry pantry items
📌 Reputation issues for rental properties or businesses if not addressed quickly
📍 Where Silverfish Commonly Appear
In our experience in Dublin, infestations tend to show up:
✔️ Bathrooms & en-suites
✔️ Utility rooms and laundry areas
✔️ Under kitchen sinks
✔️ Basements and storage areas
✔️ Behind wardrobes and bookcases in bedrooms
🛠 How to Prevent Silverfish in New Homes
Here are practical, homeowner-friendly tips:
1. Reduce Moisture
- Use exhaust fans in showers and kitchens.
- Dehumidifiers can make a huge difference in damp areas.
- Keep crawl spaces ventilated.
2. Improve Airflow
- Leave gaps between furniture and walls.
- Don’t block vents or air bricks.
- Keep trickle vents open where possible.
3. Seal Entry Points
- Caulk cracks and gaps in walls, floors and around pipework.
- Check for leaks under sinks and repair promptly.
4. Reduce Food Sources
- Store dry goods in sealed containers.
- Keep paper, cardboard and fabrics elevated and in sealed storage.
5. Regular Cleaning
- Vacuum corners, cupboards and baseboards.
- Remove clutter where insects can hide.
🐜 When to Call Central Pest Control
If preventive measures aren’t enough or you’re already seeing silverfish activity (shed scales, droppings, sightings), Central Pest Control can help with:
🔹 Professional inspection
🔹 Targeted treatment plans
🔹 Long-term monitoring and prevention advice
We’ve helped many Dublin homeowners resolve silverfish issues quickly and effectively, even in tricky new builds.
👉 Contact us today to protect your property and peace of mind.
📞 Call Central Pest Control today
📍 Serving Dublin, Wicklow & Kildare
Get in touch today to book a consultation or learn more about our services.
Dublin: (01) 200 5900 | Mobile: 086 608 9650
Email: info@centralpestcontrol.ie | Web: www.centralpestcontrol.ie
Shankill Business Centre, Station Road, Shankill, Dublin, D18 NIN2
