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Silverfish are small, moisture-loving insects that are often mistaken for baby crickets because of their size and quick movements. They are especially common in new construction homes, where eggs may be present on building materials before the house is completed. After construction, the insects can hatch and survive within wall voids because there is still residual moisture in wood and concrete, along with food sources such as starches in the glue for the drywall backer paper. Because of this, new homes can sometimes experience temporary silverfish activity until the structure fully dries out. Pest control treatments can help reduce the population, but when moisture within the structure is the source, the problem typically improves as the home dries over time. Silverfish prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, storage boxes, and wall voids, where they may feed on paper, cardboard, and other materials containing starches or cellulose. They are also sometimes found in attics, where humidity, dust, paper products, and organic debris can provide food sources, especially if small roof leaks introduce moisture.