Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics. They are frequently found near paper, glue, and starch-rich materials.

Diet & Feeding

They consume carbohydrates and starches. This includes book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, photographs, sugar, coffee, hair, dandruff, and even some synthetic fabrics.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly agile 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 wiggling movement.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or spread disease, but they are a nuisance pest that can cause significant damage to books, paper products, and vintage clothing. They serve as a food source for other predatory insects like house centipedes.

Identified on: 4/20/2026