Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and humid environments within homes, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics. They prefer temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C).

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and proteins such as paper, book glue, wallpaper paste, clothing (silk, cotton, linen), dandruff, and dry food products like flour or oats.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they move quickly in a fish-like wavelike motion. They are hardy survivors that can live for weeks without food, molting throughout their entire adult lives.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are considered household pests because they can cause damage to books, documents, wallpaper, and clothing. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits: They play a minor role as decomposers in nature, but in homes, they are almost strictly nuisances.

Identified on: 3/9/2026