Silverfish are chewing insects and general feeders but prefer carbohydrates and protein, including flour, dried meat, rolled oats, paper and even glue. They and can survive long periods, sometimes over a year, without food but are sensitive to moisture and require a humidity to survive. They also have a temperature preference between 70 and 80 degrees F. They are fast running and mostly active at night and generally prefer lower levels in homes, but may be found in attics where many homeowners store papers, such as tax documents. Don’t expect a plea of, “the silverfish ate my tax return,” to satisfy an auditor.
Curious whether silverfish are munching on your stored papers or books? Place a simple trap in or near your storage site. Wrap a rough paper towel around the exterior of a glass jar so the silver fish have something to climb up. Use two rubber bands to hold the paper in place. Put a dry cracker in the bottom of the glass jar. The silverfish (if you have any) climb up the outer surface and slide into the glass jar. They are not able to escape and you’ll find them at the bottom of the jar.