Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and cool areas such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics; often found behind wallpaper or in book bindings.

Diet & Feeding

Starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, carpet, clothing, coffee, dandruff, glue, hair, some paints, paper, photos, plaster, and sugar.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly agile; they move with a characteristic wiggling motion similar to a fish. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis (gradual change) and are known for their longevity, living up to 8 years.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered household pests as they can damage books, fabrics, and dry food stores. They do not bite humans or spread disease, but their presence can trigger allergies in some people. In the ecosystem, they serve as decomposers.

Identified on: 1/8/2026