Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, humid environments. Commonly found in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, attics, and laundry rooms. They often hide in cracks, crevices, behind baseboards, and in bookshelves.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and proteins, often preferring starchy materials. Their diet includes paper, glue, book bindings, sugar, flour, rolled oats, linen, silk, dandruff, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move quickly in a wiggling motion similar to a swimming fish. They are very hardy and can survive for weeks without food. They molt throughout their lives, even as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a nuisance pest rather than a health threat. They do not bite or spread disease, but they can cause damage to household items like books, wallpaper, and clothing. Benefits: Minimal, though they do help decompose organic matter.

Identified on: 2/21/2026