Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and attics; often found near paper, books, or starch-based materials.

Diet & Feeding

General scavengers that consume matter containing polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. This includes book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal, and clothing fibers.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners that avoid light. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and can live for several years, continuing to molt throughout their adulthood.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered household pests because they can damage personal property like books and wallpaper. They are harmless to humans as they do not bite or carry diseases, though some people may have allergic reactions to their molted skins.

Identified on: 12/26/2025