Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Moist, humid, and dark areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens; often found near paper, glue, and starch sources.

Diet & Feeding

Starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, photographs, sugar, coffee, hair, and some synthetic fabrics.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly agile; they move in a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered household pests because they damage property like books and clothing; however, they do not bite humans and do not spread disease. They are a food source for spiders and centipedes.

Identified on: 3/12/2026