Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharina

Order & Family: Order Zygentoma; Family Lepismatidae

Size: 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length

Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool environments like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics; often found behind wallpaper or in books.

Diet & Feeding

Consumes carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, carpet fibers, glue, cereal, paper, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast runners; they move with a fish-like wiggling motion and prefer to hide in cracks and crevices during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and pets as they do not bite or carry diseases, but they are considered household pests because they can damage personal property like books, photos, and clothing.

Identified on: 3/12/2026