Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharina

Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae

Size: 12 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length.

Moist, dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces.

Generalist feeders that consume substances high in starch and polysaccharides, including book bindings, paper, adhesive, and wallpaper paste.

Nocturnal and highly agile; they exhibit a fish-like movement and are known for their ability to thrive in high-humidity areas.

They do not bite humans or transmit diseases but are household pests that can damage paper products and contaminate pantry items.

Identified on: 1/3/2026