Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, preferring dark, damp, and humid areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous feeders that consume polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin found in adhesives. Their diet includes paper, book bindings, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a wiggling motion that resembles a swimming fish. They are very fast runners but cannot fly or jump. They molt throughout their adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered household pests because they can damage property like books, wallpaper, and clothing. They do not bite or sting humans and differ from disease-carrying pests, but can trigger allergies in some people.

Identified on: 2/24/2026