Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool areas like basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens; often found near paper, glue, and starch sources.

Diet & Feeding

Known for eating substances high in starch or polysaccharides such as book bindings, carpet, clothing, coffee, dandruff, glue, hair, some paints, paper, photos, plaster, and sugar.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners that prefer quiet areas with high humidity. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they look like miniature adults when they hatch and continue to molt throughout their lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. However, they are considered structural pests because they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. They can also attract other predatory pests like spiders or centipedes.

Identified on: 3/12/2026