Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Moist, dark environments such as basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and within the cracks of furniture or upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

General scavengers of starchy materials; they consume carbohydrates and sugars, including glue in book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, linen, silk, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving with a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and are known for their long lifespan of up to 8 years.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a nuisance pest that can cause damage to books, documents, and textiles. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but large infestations can indicate high humidity levels in a building.

Identified on: 4/28/2026