The silverfish is a primitive, wingless insect, about 10–15 mm long, covered in silvery-gray scales, with a tapered, carrot-shaped body and three long tail-like filaments at the rear.

Silverfish are nocturnal insects, hiding during the day in baseboard gaps, behind wallpaper, in bookshelf crevices, and bathroom cabinets.

They prefer damp environments (relative humidity 75–95%), which is why they are frequently found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Silverfish feed on carbohydrates — including paper, the glue in book bindings, wallpaper paste, the sizing in cotton and linen fabrics, and even some synthetic fibers.

Their damage to books and paper archives, while not as severe as termites, is a persistent threat in libraries and archives.

The most effective method for controlling silverfish is reducing humidity — use a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%, repair water leaks, and ensure good ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Eliminate potential food sources — store old books and paper products in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.