Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool places such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens. They often hide in crevices, under wallpaper, or behind furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, carpet, clothing, coffee, dandruff, glue, hair, some paints, paper, photos, plaster, and sugar.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly agile creatures that can run very fast. They avoid light and undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis, often living for two to eight years and molting throughout their adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or transmit diseases but are considered household pests because they can damage personal property like books, artwork, and clothing. They also serve as a food source for other household predators like spiders and centipedes.

Identified on: 4/20/2026