Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Generalist recyclers that prefer starches, sugars, and proteins found in book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a fast, fish-like swimming motion. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered nuisance pests as they can damage household items like books and clothing; however, they are harmless to humans and pets as they do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 5/18/2026