Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Silverfish prefer dark, damp, and cool places. They are commonly found indoors in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and laundry rooms. Outdoors, they can be found in leaf litter, under rocks, and in other moist environments.

Diet & Feeding

They are omnivores, primarily feeding on polysaccharides found in carbohydrates. Their diet includes starches, dextrin (found in adhesives), cellulose, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and even dead insects. They can survive for long periods without food.

Behavior Patterns

Silverfish are nocturnal, shy, and fast-moving insects that avoid light. They move with a wiggling, 'fish-like' motion. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they don't change much in form as they grow, simply molting multiple times throughout their long lifespan (up to 3-6 years).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage, as they can feed on and damage books, paper, wallpaper, clothing, and other household items containing starches or cellulose. They do not bite, spread disease, or pose any direct health threat to humans. They offer no significant benefits in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 9/22/2025