Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and cool environments like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and attics, often found near starchy food sources.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly herbivorous/detritivores; they consume matter containing polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly agile; they avoid light and can move quickly in short bursts. They undergo a three-stage life cycle called ametabolous metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases but are considered household pests because they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. In the ecosystem, they help decompose organic material.

Identified on: 6/1/2026