Silverfish

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Generalist scavengers that consume carbohydrates and protein, specifically starch, cellulose, and sugar; they often eat paper, book bindings, dandruff, and clothing

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving with a fish-like wiggling motion; they are wingless and undergo ametabolous metamorphosis (nymphs look like small adults)

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets (no biting or disease transmission), but a nuisance pest that can cause significant damage to books, wallpaper, and textiles; beneficial as decomposers in the wild

Identified on: 3/12/2026