One of the silverfish’s distinguishing characteristics is its diet, which consists primarily of starch, cellulose, and sugars. They are particularly attracted to materials like paper, glue, and fabrics. This appetite for organic substances makes them a common nuisance in homes, as they can cause significant damage to books, clothing, wallpaper, and upholstery.

Silverfish are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night when they come out to search for food. They thrive in areas that offer both moisture and darkness, which is why they are frequently found in attics, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices makes them hard to spot until the damage is already done.

Although they do not pose a direct threat to humans, silverfish can be a problem for homeowners due to the damage they cause to personal belongings. They are resilient pests that can survive for long periods without food, making them a challenging pest to eliminate once they have infested an area.