Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Prefers dark, damp, and humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens. They often hide in cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous eaters that consume matter containing polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. They eat paper, photos, book bindings, sugar, coffee, carpet, clothing, and dandruff.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and swift-moving. They move in a wiggling motion that resembles a fish swimming. They are long-lived (up to 3 years or more) and can survive for weeks without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered household pests because they can damage property like books, wallpaper, and clothing. They can contaminate food but do not transmit disease. Benefits: They are recyclers in nature but offer little benefit inside a home.

Identified on: 2/10/2026