Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Warm, humid environments inside buildings (bathrooms, basements, attics) and outdoors under bark or leaf litter

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates such as sugar and starches; consumes paper, book bindings, glue, grains, cereal, clothing fibers like cotton and linen, and dead insects

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moves quickly with a wiggling motion resembling a fish; they seek dark, damp crevices during the day and can survive long periods without food

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health (they do not bite or spread disease) but are considered pests because their feeding habits can cause significant damage to household goods like books, wallpaper, and clothing

Identified on: 2/26/2026