Silverfish

Natural Habitat

They prefer damp, humid, and dark areas in homes, such as bathrooms, basements, and attics, often found near drains or leaky pipes.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches, including paper, book bindings, glue, clothing, wallpaper paste, and dry food products.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move with a characteristic wiggling motion resembling a fish. They are fast runners and can survive long periods without food.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no direct physical harm to humans (no biting or stinging) and do not transmit disease, but they are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, documents, clothing, and other household materials containing starch.

Identified on: 2/24/2026