Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, preferring dark, humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks, crevices, or under objects.

Diet & Feeding

Starchy materials and polysaccharides. They feed on paper, glue, book bindings, sugar, flour, rolled oats, linen, silk, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move quickly in a wiggling motion similar to a fish swimming. They are long-lived (up to 8 years) and can survive for long periods without food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. However, they are considered pests because they can cause significant damage to books, documents, wallpaper, and clothing. They can trigger allergies in some people.

Identified on: 2/20/2026