Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Silverfish are commonly found in dark, moist, and undisturbed areas in homes and buildings, such as basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They can also be found in storage boxes, bookshelves, and closets.

Diet & Feeding

Silverfish are scavengers and omnivores. They feed on a wide variety of starchy materials including books, paper, glue, starch in clothing, cereals, flours, dried foods, and even dead insects. They can survive for long periods without food if water is available.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal insects that prefer dark, damp, and cool places. They are fast runners and can be found scurrying away when disturbed. They are also known for their characteristic fish-like, wriggling movement as they run.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage to books, paper products, and textiles due to their feeding habits. They are not known to transmit diseases or bite humans. Benefits are negligible in an indoor setting, but in natural environments, they may contribute to decomposition.

Identified on: 8/29/2025