Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Silverfish thrive in humid, damp, and dark environments, often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and cluttered areas. They can also be found in cardboard boxes, books, and other cellulose materials.

Diet & Feeding

Silverfish are scavenger feeders. They primarily consume polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin. This includes paper, glue, books, photos, carpet, clothing (especially cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic fibers), foodstuffs like sugar, coffee, and oats, and even dead insects and their own shed exoskeletons. They can survive for long periods without food if water is available.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and prefer dark, secluded areas. They move very quickly in a wiggling, fish-like motion. They are known for shedding their skin multiple times throughout their lives.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Silverfish are a household pest, primarily due to the damage they cause to items containing starches or cellulose, such as books, paper, wallpaper, clothing, and food packaging. They do not bite or transmit diseases and are not considered harmful to humans. Benefits: In the ecosystem, they contribute to decomposition as detritivores, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 8/27/2025