What Is the Firebrat?
The firebrat (Thermobia domestica) is a close relative of the silverfish but prefers much warmer environments. Firebrats are about 12 mm long with a mottled gray and brown appearance and three long tail-like appendages. They are fast runners and are primarily active at night.
Habitat & Behavior
True to their name, firebrats seek out hot locations and are commonly found near ovens, furnaces, water heaters, heating pipes, and fireplaces in North Carolina homes. They thrive at temperatures above 90°F, which sets them apart from silverfish that prefer cooler, damp environments.
Firebrats feed on starchy materials including flour, cereal, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and starched fabrics. They can also feed on dried meats, dead insects, and paper products. Their feeding can damage stored foods, documents, and textiles over time.
Prevention & Control
Control measures include reducing food sources by storing pantry items in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills around stoves and ovens, and caulking cracks near heat sources where firebrats harbor. Sticky traps placed near warm appliances can help monitor activity levels. For significant infestations, professional treatment targeting harborage areas is recommended.