What Do Silverfish Eat?
Silverfish are nocturnal, wingless insects known for their destructive feeding habits, particularly in homes and commercial buildings. Their diet primarily consists of materials high in starch, sugars, and polysaccharides, which they extract from both natural and synthetic substances. Here is what silverfish eat:
Carbohydrate-Rich Materials
Silverfish are especially attracted to items rich in starch and complex carbohydrates, which are often found in:
Paper products: books, newspapers, wallpaper, cardboard, and envelopes
Glue and adhesives: book bindings, wallpaper paste, and labels
Clothing: especially those made from cotton, linen, rayon, and other plant-based fabrics, particularly if starched
Flour and grains: cereals, pasta, flour, and oats stored in pantries
Dried foods: especially those not well-sealed or stored in paper or cardboard packaging
Protein and Dead Insects
While carbohydrates are their primary food source, silverfish will also consume protein-based materials when necessary:
Dead insects: carcasses of other pests or insects
Skin flakes and hair: shed by humans or pets
Silk and leather: especially if these items are blended with carbohydrates or are soiled with food particles
Household Items and Materials
In the absence of their preferred foods, silverfish may chew through:
Wallpaper and wallpaper paste
Photographs and photo albums
Book bindings and cardboard
Synthetic fabrics (occasionally) if stained with food or body oils
Mold and Fungi
In damp environments, silverfish also feed on:
Mold, mildew, and fungi that grow on walls, ceilings, or in bathrooms and basements
Silverfish thrive in dark, humid environments—such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics—and will often go unnoticed due to their nocturnal nature. They are drawn to areas with high moisture, as this helps them metabolize their food more efficiently. Because they can survive long periods without food (sometimes up to a year), infestations can persist for a long time before they’re detected.
Do Silverfish Eat Clothes?
Yes, silverfish do eat clothes, but their feeding is selective and typically dependent on the fabric composition and condition of the clothing. Silverfish are not like moths, which are more notorious for damaging textiles, but under the right conditions, silverfish can and do cause significant damage to garments, especially in long-term infestations.
Types of Clothes Silverfish Target
Silverfish prefer natural fibers, especially those that contain starch, sugars, or proteins. These include:
Cotton – particularly if the fabric has been starched or contains food residues
Linen – a plant-based fiber high in cellulose, which silverfish can digest
Rayon – a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose
Silk – due to its protein structure, especially if stained with sweat or body oils
Wool and other animal fibers – less commonly, but if mixed with other materials or if soiled
Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon are less appealing, but if these garments are blended with natural fibers, or contaminated with food, sweat, or oils, they may still attract silverfish.
Conditions That Encourage Silverfish to Feed on Clothes
Silverfish don’t randomly eat clothes—they are drawn to garments under specific conditions:
Soiled or Sweaty Clothes: Perspiration, food stains, skin flakes, or oils can attract silverfish.
Stored Clothing: Garments stored in dark, humid, undisturbed places (e.g., basements, attics, closets) are prime targets.
Starched Fabrics: Starched clothing is particularly vulnerable because starch is a carbohydrate-rich material silverfish find highly attractive.
Infested Storage Areas: If silverfish are already present in the storage environment (e.g., boxes, drawers), they’ll extend their feeding to available fabrics.
Signs of Silverfish Damage on Clothing
Irregular holes or notches along seams and edges
Yellowish stains or smearing near feeding sites
Small black pepper-like droppings (feces) in storage areas
Shed exoskeletons or live silverfish near or under clothing piles