Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and cool environments such as basements, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms. Often found in crawl spaces or behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes starchy materials and items rich in carbohydrates or protein, including book bindings, glue, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners. They undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and are known for their shimmying, fish-like movements.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or spread disease, but they are significant household pests that cause damage to paper products, clothing, and food stores. They serve as a food source for spiders and centipedes.

Identified on: 1/4/2026