Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, cool, and dark environments such as basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Starch and dextrin in adhesives, paper, book bindings, plaster, and some synthetic fabrics; they also eat high-protein foods like dried meat or dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a characteristic fish-like swimming motion; they have a long lifespan for insects (up to 8 years) and undergo ametabolous metamorphosis (young look like small adults).

Risks & Benefits

They are nuisance pests that can damage household goods (books, wallpaper, clothing); however, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit diseases.

Identified on: 5/31/2026