Color: Marked on the back with numerous dark patches that give them a mottled gray appearance.
Size: 1/2-inch long.
- In United States, depending on species they are usually found indoors in area associated with heat such as boiler rooms, moisture, such as near water or tunnels containing steam pipes. They are commonly found in bathtubs, where they become trapped while seeking food or moisture. Firebrats and silverfish are most active at night and can run very swiftly.
- Most firebrats, except for the common pest species live outdoor under rock, bark or leaf molds, in the nests of birds and mammals, or in ant and termite nests. They prefer warm temperatures and are numerous outdoors.
During the day, firebrats hide. If the object they are hiding under is moved, they dart toward another hiding place. They come out at night to seek food and water. Items on their preferred menu are cereals, moist wheat flour, books, any paper on which there is glue or paste, sizing in paper (including wallpaper) and book bindings, and starch in clothing. They can live for several months without food.
Seek food and water. Items on their preferred menu are cereals, moist wheat flour, books, any paper on which there is glue or paste, sizing in paper (including wallpaper) and book bindings, and starch in clothing.
These Insects are primarily a nuisance, but they do consume small amount of human foods and contaminate it with their body scale and droppings. They can do considerable damage to some natural and synthetic fibers, books and other paper products. They may also leave yellow stains, especially on linens.
Firebrats Prevention Tips
- To keep firebrats away, keep basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, especially shower stalls, clean and dry.
- Plug or putty holes or spaces around pipes.
- Repair leaks and drips in plumbing.
- Clean out closets periodically.
- Collections of magazines, papers, and books provide food for them. Occasionally, move books around in a bookcase.
- Keep foods in containers with tight lids.
Manufacturer Recommended Products And Treatment For Firebrats Control
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often the problem may be solved just by removing these key items. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, it is important to be aware of
Conducive Condition | Recommendation | |
1 | Tree branches on house | Keep tree branches away from house to reduce pest access |
2 | Firewood next to foundation | Keep firewood away from house to reduce pest harborage |
3 | Debris on crawlspace/next to foundation | Remove wood debris to reduce termite ha rborage area |
4 | Excessive plant cover, stump, etc. | Providing spacing between plant cover and structure |
5 | Soil above the foundation Ii ne | Keep soil below top of foundation to reduce harbo rage areas |
6 | Wood-to-ground contact | Keep soil from touching wood to eliminate termite access |
7 | Debris on roof/full gutter | Keep gutter & roof free of debris to reduce insect harborage |
8 | Standi ng water near/under structure | Eliminate standing water to reduce pest harbo rage |
9 | Mo isture problem under structure | Increase ventilation to reduce pest harbo rage area |
10 | Openi ngs at plumbi ng & electronics | Seal opening to reduce pest access |
11 | Excessive gaps at windows/doors | Seal gaps to reduce pest access |
12 | Lea ky plumb ing fixtures | Repair to reduce moisture for pests |
13 | Keep garbage cans covered | Covered to reduce attraction of insects of vertebrate pests |
14 | Mo isture damage wood | Repair rotten or damaged wood to reduce insect harborage |
15 | Grocery bags stored improperly | Seal paper sacks in containers to reduce i nsect ha rborage areas |
16 | Pet food unsealed or left out | Keep pet food in sealed containers and unavailable to pests |
17 | Excessive storage conditions | Keep storage areas uncluttered and manageable |
18 | Debris below kick plates | Remove kick plates to reduce rodent harborage |
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