Firebrats are common household insects often confused with silverfish. These small creatures can be a nuisance in homes. This article covers their identification, habitat, feeding habits, impact, and control.
Identifying a Firebrat
Firebrats, scientifically known as Thermobia domestica, are part of the order Zygentoma. Adult firebrats typically measure about 1/2 to 3/4 inch (12 to 19 mm) in length. Their bodies are slender and tapered from front to back, giving them a carrot or tear-drop shape. They possess a soft body covered in scales.
A distinguishing characteristic of firebrats is their mottled grayish-brown or tan coloration, often with darker spots, which sets them apart from the uniformly silvery or pearl-gray appearance of silverfish. They also feature a pair of long, slender antennae at their head and three tail-like appendages, called cerci, extending from the rear of their abdomen. These unique features, along with their slightly stouter build compared to silverfish, help distinguish them.
Firebrat Habitat and Feeding Habits
Firebrats thrive in environments with high temperatures and moderate to high humidity. They prefer temperatures ranging from 90 to 105°F (32 to 41°C), with an optimal range between 98 to 102°F. While they can tolerate humidity as low as 30%, they are often found in areas with 70% to 80% relative humidity. Within a home, common dwelling places include boiler rooms, attics, basements near furnaces, around hot water pipes, ovens, and fireplaces.
Their diet primarily consists of starches, cellulose, and proteins. They consume paper products such as books, wallpaper, and cardboard, as well as glues found in book bindings and wallpaper paste. Textiles like cotton, linen, and rayon are also susceptible to their feeding, along with various food items including flour, sugar, cereals, and pet food. Their feeding can result in irregular holes, etchings, or surface damage on these materials.
Understanding Firebrat Impact
Firebrats are considered nuisance pests rather than a direct threat to human or animal health. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans or pets. Their primary impact stems from feeding habits that damage household items.
Their feeding can lead to noticeable damage on paper goods, textiles, and stored food products. The presence of firebrats often signals underlying environmental conditions within the home, specifically high heat and humidity levels. While not physically harmful, their feeding can contaminate food and damage belongings if left unaddressed.
Managing Firebrat Populations
Managing firebrat populations involves prevention and control. Reducing humidity levels within the home is an important step, achieved by using dehumidifiers, ensuring proper ventilation, and repairing leaky pipes. Eliminating their food sources also helps deter infestations. Storing dry goods like flour, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers prevents access, and regular cleaning removes crumbs and debris that serve as food.
Physical exclusion methods are also effective. Sealing cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around pipes eliminates entry points and hiding spots. For monitoring or small infestations, sticky traps can be deployed where activity is suspected. In cases of persistent or extensive infestations, where DIY methods prove insufficient, consulting a professional pest control service may be necessary for effective eradication.