Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool areas with high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes matter containing polysaccharides such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. This includes book bindings, carpet, clothing, coffee, dandruff, glue, hair, some paints, paper, photos, sugar, wallpaper paste, and cotton.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners. They go through a three-stage life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and can live for several years. They are known for their fish-like movements and silver-scaled appearance.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or spread disease, but they are considered household pests because they can damage books, photographs, and natural fabrics. They have no significant ecological benefit in a home environment.

Identified on: 3/27/2026