Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and humid environments like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. They are often found in paper, cardboard boxes, and fabrics.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and starches, including paper, glue, sugar, book bindings, photos, and fabrics like cotton and linen.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moves very quickly with a fish-like wiggling motion. They are long-lived (up to 3 years) and can survive for weeks without food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease to humans, but they are household pests that cause damage to property by eating wallpaper paste, books, clothing, and contaminating food.

Identified on: 2/16/2026