Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp environments with relatively high humidity (75-95%). Common indoors in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics, or outdoors in leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates such as sugar and starches. They feed on paper, book bindings, glue, clothing (synthetic and cotton fibers), wallpaper paste, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, moving with a characteristic wiggling motion resembling a fish swimming. They are fast runners and can survive for long periods without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest because they damage property (books, clothing, wallpaper) and contaminate food. Benefits: They act as decomposers in nature but offer little benefit inside human dwellings.

Identified on: 2/14/2026