A "Mysterious Giant Insect" Appeared at Home! He Was So Scared He Wanted to Sell the House, Netizens Joked: "You've Struck It Rich!"

Some people fear spiders, while others can't stand geckos. What kind of insect appearing in your home would make you feel like giving up? A Taiwanese netizen recently spotted an enormous black insect on their wall, resembling an ancient creature and somewhat like a multi-legged cockroach. The sight was so terrifying that they considered selling their house. However, experienced netizens were thrilled, exclaiming, "You're in luck!"

A distressed male netizen posted on Facebook, seeking help from insect experts to identify the mysterious creature. He was unsure if it was beneficial or harmful and was so frightened that he wanted to abandon his home. The post read: "Does anyone know what kind of insect this is? Is it beneficial or harmful? I'm so scared that I want to sell my house. Thank you."

The giant black insect in the photo had long antennae and three tails, with a hard outer shell that looked like something from ancient times. Many netizens joked about wanting to take over the house: "I'd burn the house down if I saw this," "You're lucky; it's like a living trilobite," "This thing must have been living with you for years," "Sell the house cheaply before it takes over," "The house is ruined; I'll give you $50 for it."

In reality, this "monster" is not a magical living fossil but a common household pest known as "silverfish" or "bookworm", scientifically referred to as Zygentoma. These insects thrive in humid environments and are known to eat clothes, paper, and fallen hair. However, they prefer consuming sugars and carbohydrates and dislike dry conditions, often hiding in crevices.

Experienced netizens explained: "Silverfish eat almost anything—clothes, paper, and even hair. They love sugar and carbs, dislike dryness, and hide in cracks." Another comment noted, "Your home is too humid," and "I've never seen a silverfish this big."

According to Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency, silverfish are indicators of building humidity and do not transmit diseases or bite humans. They pose no significant threat to humans but can damage household paper and clothing. To get rid of them, one can use dehumidifiers, place desiccants in closets, and regularly clean dark spaces to maintain a dry environment.