Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks, crevices, behind wallpaper, and in bookshelves.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous feeders that consume carbohydrates such as sugar and starch. Their diet includes paper, glue, book bindings, photos, clothing (especially silk and linen), dandruff, and dry food products.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and move with a wiggling motion resembling a fish swimming, hence the name. They are fast runners and tend to avoid light. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and molt throughout their lives.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered household pests because they can damage property like books, wallpaper, documents, and clothing by eating the starchy components. They can also contaminate food. Benefits: They do not bite or sting humans and generally do not transmit diseases, acting mainly as decomposers in nature.

Identified on: 2/18/2026