Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found in dark, damp, and cool environments such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics. They are common in areas with high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes substances rich in starch or polysaccharides, such as book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, hair, paper, photos, plaster, and sugar.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with characteristic fish-like swimming movements. They are fast runners but cannot climb smooth vertical walls well. They have a long lifespan (2-8 years) and undergo ametabolous development (nymphs look like small adults).

Risks & Benefits

They are considered household pests because they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. They do not transmit diseases to humans and do not bite. In the ecosystem, they assist in the decomposition of organic matter, but indoors they are purely nuisance pests.

Identified on: 6/1/2026