Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, moist, and humid environments within human dwellings. Common areas include bathrooms, basements, attics, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They often hide in cracks, crevices, or under carpets.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous scavengers that feed on carbohydrates and proteins. Their diet includes paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, fabric (cotton, linen, silk), cereals, starches, and other dried foods.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and photophobic (avoid light). They move in a distinctive, wiggling motion resembling a swimming fish. They are agile and swift runners but cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces well.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they can damage property by eating books, wallpaper, and clothing. They can also contaminate food. Benefits: They are harmless to humans directly (they do not bite or sting) and serve as prey for other insects like house centipedes and spiders.

Identified on: 2/21/2026