Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, preferring dark, damp, and moderate to high humidity environments. Common in bathrooms, basements, attics, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on carbohydrates and starches. Their diverse diet includes paper, glue, clothing (cotton, linen, silk), wallpaper paste, dried food (cereal, flour), and sometimes synthetic fabrics.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move very quickly with a wiggling motion similar to a fish swimming. They are long-lived (up to 3 years) and can survive for months without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they can damage property (books, wallpaper, clothing, stored food) and may trigger allergies in some people. Benefits: They do not bite or sting humans, spread disease, or carry venom; strictly nuisance pests.

Identified on: 2/11/2026