Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are silvery-grey/blue non flying insects that are about 10-12 mm long, carrot-like in shape with 3 long bristles at the tail. They live in damp areas and feed on starchy foods such as wallpaper paste and glue etc. They are a close relative of the firebrat (hermobia domestica) which is speckled and prefers drier areas around the home. Silverfish in large numbers can cause damage to books, old photos, paper and wallpaper if left uncontrolled.

Silverfish move very fast along a surface and prefer warm, humid, wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. They normally come out at night when it is dark. They can often be found in a sink or bath in the morning where they have fallen in and then been unable to crawl out.