Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Starch 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 can outrun many of their predators. They undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and are known for their 'fish-like' swimming movement.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health as they do not transmit disease. However, they are considered pests due to their potential to cause significant damage to books, manuscripts, and dry food storage.

Identified on: 1/10/2026