Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Thrives in dark, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in crevices, behind wallpaper, or in piles of old paper.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrate-rich foods, particularly polysaccharides like starch and dextrin. This includes paper, glue, book bindings, sugar, coffee, hair, dandruff, and synthetic fibers.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving. They move in a wiggling motion that resembles a swimming fish. They do not fly or jump but can climb walls. They molt throughout their lives, even as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered household pests because they can damage property by eating books, wallpaper, and clothing. They can also contaminate food sources. Benefits: They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans and serve as decomposers in nature, though these benefits are negligible in a home infestation.

Identified on: 2/8/2026