Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Moist, humid, and dark areas such as basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes matter containing polysaccharides such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. This includes book bindings, photos, sugar, hair, dandruff, and organic debris.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and fast-moving with a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and can live for several years, molting throughout their entire lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not transmit diseases to humans but are considered household pests because they can damage books, paper, clothing, and stored food. They are generally harmless to human health.

Identified on: 3/15/2026