Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, and attics, often near paper or glue sources.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on starchy materials like paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, fabric, and dried foods containing sugar or starch.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move quickly in a fish-like wiggling motion when disturbed. They are long-lived and can survive for months without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. Benefits: They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans but serve as minor decomposers of organic matter.

Identified on: 2/23/2026