Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool places; commonly found indoors in bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They prefer areas with high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Starches and carbohydrates; includes paper, glue, books, photographs, sugar, hair, dandruff, and sometimes other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and reclusive, avoiding light. They move quickly with a wriggling, fish-like motion. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they continue to molt throughout their lives, even as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal belongings (books, documents, clothing), food contamination, and they can aggravate allergies in sensitive individuals due to their shed skins. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases. There are no significant known benefits.

Identified on: 10/31/2025