Common Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae

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

Moist and humid indoor environments such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics.

Scavengers that consume carbohydrates and protein, including glue, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Nocturnal insects that move with a quick, fish-like wiggling motion; they are known for their ability to survive long periods without food.

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit disease, but are considered pests because they can damage paper products and household textiles.

Identified on: 1/14/2026