Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Silverfish prefer dark, damp, and cool places, such as basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They can also be found in cardboard boxes, books, and behind wallpaper. They are common in both residential and commercial buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Silverfish primarily feed on carbohydrates, especially polysaccharides. This includes paper, glue, starch, sugar, hair, dandruff, cotton, linen, silk, and dead insects. They are also known to consume synthetic fibers and some vegetables.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are primarily nocturnal and very secretive, preferring dark, damp places. They move very quickly and gracefully, resembling a fish-like swimming motion, which gives them their common name. They are long-lived for an insect, with some species living up to 3-6 years. They can survive long periods without food and are known to shed their exoskeleton multiple times throughout their life.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage, as they can feed on books, documents, wallpaper, clothing, and food items stored in pantries, leading to holes and discoloration. They do not pose health risks to humans (they do not bite or spread diseases). From an ecological perspective, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter, but their presence indoors is generally considered a pest.

Identified on: 7/2/2025