Do silverfish insects bite?

Silverfish do not bite humans, but they chew on books, papers and some fabrics. Silverfish are attracted to carbohydrates and often feed on the glue in wallpaper, books and food packages.

Silverfish are small, carrot-shaped, gray insects that get their name from the fish-like way in which they move. The insects prefer dark areas and often live in basements, attics or bathrooms. Silverfish are also prevalent in places where paper is found, such as libraries and schools.

Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so controlling humidity is important to prevent infestation. Adequate circulation of air and storing books and papers in plastic rather than cardboard containers are also effective measures to control a silverfish population.