Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark environments with high humidity like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens; often found near paper, cardboard, or insulation.

Diet & Feeding

Starch and sugar-rich materials, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal, clothing (silk/linen), and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving with a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis (lacking a pupal stage) and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (non-venomous and do not bite). They are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, documents, and pantry goods.

Identified on: 1/7/2026