Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in humid, dark environments such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They often dwell in cracks, crevices, or underneath stored items.

Diet & Feeding

Starch-based and polysaccharide-rich materials, including paper, book glue, wallpaper, clothing fibers (cotton, linen, silk), cereals, dandruff, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move with a characteristic wiggling, fish-like motion. They hide during the day and can survive for long periods without food. They shed their skin (molt) throughout their adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting humans and carry no known diseases (low risk). However, they are significant household pests that cause damage to books, documents, clothing, and wallpaper due to their feeding habits.

Identified on: 3/6/2026