Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Thrive in dark, humid environments such as basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages; often found in books, boxes, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and starches, including paper, bookbindings, glue, wallpaper paste, clothing (silk, cotton, rayon), sugar, flour, and rolled oats.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move quickly in a fish-like wiggling motion which gives them their common name. They are hardy survivors that can live for weeks without food or water.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Do not bite or transmit disease to humans, but are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, documents, photographs, and clothing. May trigger allergies in some people. Benefits: Act as decomposers in nature.

Identified on: 2/25/2026