Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, usually in dark, damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. They thrive in high-humidity environments.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates such as sugar and starch. They feed on paper, book bindings, glue, clothing, wallpaper paste, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a wiggling motion similar to a fish. They are very fast runners but cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. They do not bite or sting humans and do not spread disease. Benefits: None significant in a domestic setting, though they are decomposers in nature.

Identified on: 3/1/2026