Silverfish

Natural Habitat

They thrive in dark, humid environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks, crevices, behind wallpaper, and in bookshelves.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches. Their diet includes paper, glue, book bindings, wallpaper paste, clothing (cotton, linen, silk), and dry goods like flour or rolled oats.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move with a characteristic wiggling motion resembling a fish. They are very fast runners and elusive. They are long-lived insects that can survive for weeks without food and continue to molt throughout their adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they damage property by eating paper goods, books, and fabrics. They do not bite or sting humans and do not spread disease. Benefits: Minimal, though they do help decompose organic matter in broader ecosystems.

Identified on: 2/10/2026