Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Moist, dark, and humid environments like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Starchy and carbohydrate-rich materials including glue in book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, photographs, and starch in clothing.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a quick, fish-like swimming motion. They undergo ametabolous development (simple metamorphosis) and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not spread disease, but they are considered a pest because they can damage books, photos, and textiles.

Identified on: 6/11/2026