Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics. Often found behind wallpaper or in book bindings.

Diet & Feeding

Generalist scavengers that consume carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, carpet fibers, glue, hair, sugar, and linen.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners. They avoid light and are known for their fish-like wiggling movement. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit disease to humans, but they are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, paper, clothing, and stored food products.

Identified on: 2/11/2026