Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Prefers dark, damp, and humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. Their diet includes paper, glue, book bindings, clothing, dandruff, and dry food products like flour or oats.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move very quickly with a wiggling motion that resembles a fish swimming. They are long-lived (up to 8 years) and can survive for weeks without food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease to humans, but they are considered household pests because they can damage property such as books, wallpaper, documents, and clothing by eating the starchy materials.

Identified on: 3/5/2026