Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Silverfish prefer dark, damp, and humid environments. They are commonly found in bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens, often hiding in cracks, crevices, or under objects.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches. Their diet includes paper, glue (in book bindings), wallpaper paste, photos, fabric (cotton, linen, silk), dried foods like flour and oats, and even dandruff or dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal and move very quickly with a wiggling motion that resembles a fish swimming (hence the name). They are long-lived insects (up to 3 years) and can survive for months without food. They shed their skin (molt) throughout their adult life.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting humans and do not transmit diseases, so they are not a direct health risk. However, they are considered household pests because they can cause significant damage to books, documents, wallpaper, and clothing by eating the starch or sizing in the materials. They can also contaminate dried food products.

Identified on: 2/25/2026