Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Prefers dark, damp, and cool places, commonly found in basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes in drawers or bookcases. They can thrive in any part of a household that meets their moisture requirements.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, feeding on carbohydrates, especially polysaccharides. Their diet includes starches in glues, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff. They can also damage synthetic fabrics, cotton, linen, silk, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Tends to be nocturnal, often found in dark, damp spaces. They are known for their fast, darting movements when disturbed. Silverfish undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they continue to molt throughout their lives, even as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily considered a household pest. They do not bite or transmit diseases but can cause significant damage to household items containing starch or cellulose, such as books, paper, clothing, and food items. They offer no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 7/2/2025