Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Cool, damp, and dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Generalist feeder consuming starches and polysaccharides such as sugar, flour, book bindings, and household adhesive.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, fast-moving, and avoids light. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and are known for their longevity, often living 2 to 8 years.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a household nuisance and pest as they can damage books and paper products; they are not harmful to humans or pets but can trigger allergies in some people.

Identified on: 5/21/2026