Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae

Size: 12 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches)

Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, damp, and humid areas within homes, such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks, crevices, or under objects.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. They feed on paper, glue, book bindings, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move very quickly with a fish-like wiggling motion. They are primitive insects that molt throughout their adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease, so they are not a direct health risk to humans. However, they are considered household pests because they can damage property such as books, wallpaper, and clothing.

Identified on: 2/11/2026