Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. They thrive in humidity levels between 75% and 95%.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous feeders that consume polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin found in adhesives. Common food sources include paper, book bindings, carpet, clothing (silk and cotton), sugar, coffee, dandruff, glue, and photos.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move with a characteristic wiggling motion resembling a fish swimming. They are extremely fast runners and avoid light. They undergo ametabolous development (no metamorphosis) and molt throughout their lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or carry known pathogens, so they pose minimal direct health risk. However, they are considered household pests because they can damage property like books, wallpaper, and clothing. Ecologically, they act as decomposers.

Identified on: 2/10/2026