Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Moist, dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens; often found near paper and fabric.

Diet & Feeding

Starches and polysaccharides; they consume paper, book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, sugar, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners; they undergo a simple metamorphosis and can live up to eight years, continuing to molt throughout adulthood.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but considered a household pest due to their ability to damage books, photographs, and textiles; they do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 4/24/2026