Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, moist, and humid areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics. They also inhabit outdoor locations under rocks and leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, wallpaper glue, paper, clothing (cotton, linen, silk), and dried foods like flour or oats.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move quickly in a fish-like wiggling motion when disturbed. They are long-lived and can survive for weeks without food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease to humans, but they are pests that can cause damage to books, documents, wallpaper, and clothing. They can contaminate pantry items.

Identified on: 3/3/2026