Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found in dark, damp, and humid environments within homes, such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks, crevices, or under carpets.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous feeders that consume starches and dextrin adhesives. Common food sources include book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and swift-moving, they avoid light. They moult throughout their adult lives and can survive long periods without food. They move in a wiggling motion that resembles swimming fish.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered household pests because they can damage property (books, wallpaper, clothes) by eating starchy materials. They can trigger allergies in some people but do not bite or transmit diseases. Benefits: Minimal, though they act as decomposers in nature.

Identified on: 3/9/2026