Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments with high humidity such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous; they consume matter containing polysaccharides such as starches, dextrin in adhesives, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly mobile, they are known for their fish-like swimming movement. They have a long lifespan (up to 8 years) and undergo a primitive form of metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health as they do not bite or transmit disease; however, they are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, wallpaper, and clothing.

Identified on: 4/4/2026