Firebrats

What Are Firebrats?

Firebrats are very close relatives of silverfish, sharing similar biology and habits as members of the order Zygentoma. They are a type of silverfish, slightly larger at up to half an inch long, with a silvery body mottled by patches of light and dark scales. Their carrot-shaped bodies taper from front to back, they sport a pair of long antennae, and they are sometimes called “bristletails” because of the three long bristles at their rear. Firebrats are not considered harmful or dangerous to people or pets.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Firebrats lay eggs in batches of about 50 that hatch within a couple of weeks, and the insects live for roughly three to four years, molting many times along the way. A common question is whether firebrats bite, and the answer is no; they also do not spread disease or pose a threat to humans or pets. They are remarkably resilient, and an individual can survive in a sealed jar without food or water for weeks, which is part of what makes them stubborn once established.

Where Firebrats Live

True to their name, firebrats favor warm temperatures and are frequently found near sources of heat such as furnaces, water heaters, and boiler rooms. They tolerate much drier conditions than most insects and have even been found in attics where temperatures reach 130 degrees and humidity is very low. Like silverfish, they occur in most parts of the world, and when outdoors they typically shelter under rocks and plant matter.

What Firebrats Eat

Firebrats are scavengers that feed on mold, dead insects, and assorted organic debris including crumbs, glue, starch, and paper products. They will infest stored foods, particularly oats and similar grains, especially when the food is moist or moldy. They are also notorious pests of old books, feeding on the pages, and may damage wallpaper as well. This broad appetite for starchy, papery materials means they can quietly ruin belongings over time.

Signs of a Firebrat Infestation

The signs of firebrats closely mirror those of silverfish, and the two insects can be present at the same time. Watch for tiny holes in the pages of old books, yellow spots on newspapers, droppings that look like scattered pepper, loose scales in flour and cereal, and the insects themselves moving about. Because they favor warm, hidden spots, an infestation can grow before it is noticed.

How Aegis Controls Firebrats

Firebrats can be very difficult to control, and efforts should focus on the warmest areas of a building, though the insects can spread throughout. Controlling humidity helps keep both firebrats and silverfish in check. They often live in soffits and behind fascia boards near gutters, using these “reservoir” sites to invade the interior, and blown-in attic insulation can make inspection harder. Areas that may need professional attention include furnace and boiler rooms, plumbing voids, spaces behind electrical outlets, window and door molding, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. For tailored firebrat and silverfish control, call (855) 560-1396 to be connected with a participating provider in our network.