Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and storage areas. They prefer high humidity and can be found in books, paper, wallpaper, and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Starches and polysaccharides, including paper, glue, book bindings, wallpaper paste, photographs, sugar, hair, and even cotton or linen textiles. They are also known to eat their own exoskeletons after molting.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and reclusive, silverfish are typically found hiding during the day. They are fast runners and can live for several years. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they continue to molt throughout their lives, even as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to household items such as books, documents, wallpaper, and textiles due to their feeding habits. They do not bite, spread disease, or pose any direct health risk to humans. They offer no known benefits to humans or ecosystems in an indoor setting apart from being part of the natural decomposition process in some outdoor environments.

Identified on: 11/27/2025