Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Inhabits moist, dark environments like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics; often found among paper or textiles.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, hair, paper, and food crumbs.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis and can live up to eight years, capable of surviving for months without food.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health as they do not bite or spread disease, but they are considered household pests because they damage personal property like books, photos, and clothing.

Identified on: 3/31/2026