Firebrat Bite
Often, people are not sure whether they have a firebrat or silverfish bug infestation.
An infestation of the firebrat is as bad as the silverfish bug. Understanding the difference between the two can be helpful in an effort to get rid of firebrats or silverfish. How do firebrats look? Does a firebrat bite? What do silverfish look like?
If you have equipment or machinery at home that generates heat, your place can be prone to firebrat infestations.
Places that are humid can also cause firebrat problems since they thrive in these areas. Firebrats are actually nearly related to silverfish because they move and behave in the same manner and like to eat starch, sugar, and protein-rich foods.
They also chew on paper and fabrics. What sets them apart though is the love of firebrats for heat. They are most active during the night as they are considered to be nocturnal creatures. To identify a firebrat, take a closer look at it and note that a firebrat is stouter in appearance, more like a silverfish that’s obese.
Silverfish appear to be more slender. Firebrats are somewhat silvery in color but may appear mottled with small areas of light and dark scales. Firebrats can be difficult to manage. In getting rid of them, your efforts must be concentrated on those areas that are warm.
Possible places include attics, crawl spaces, boiler rooms, voids that are behind electrical outlets, and basements.
These are commonly asked questions. Both bugs are known for their fast dashes to hiding places and quick movements. There are close similarities but these two bugs do have some big differences.
Color Difference
Firebrats have a shiny appearance with a grayish-brown color. The silverfish is shiny with a silvery color. The silverfish bug is definitely more silver looking.
Size Difference
The firebrat is smaller than the silverfish. It is an average size of approximately 1/2 inch in length. The silverfish bug is larger normally 1/2 to 1 inch in length.
Habitat Differences
Firebrats favor a hot environment. They thrive in temperatures at 90 degrees or higher. This knowledge is important in finding their hiding places.
Locating high areas of heat makes it easier to remove them. Firebrats are commonly found near hot water heater pipes, dishwashers, ovens, furnaces, and fireplaces. You may even want to check the insulation around hot pipes.
Cold temperatures below 31 degrees can be deadly to firebrats and their eggs. Silverfish prefer cooler damp areas and may be found almost anywhere in the home. Preferred silverfish temperature is in the 70 – 80-degree range with high humidity.
In some climates attics can become very hot and an ideal location for firebrats. Silverfish bugs can be any place in the home. They especially like damp basements. Both insects lay their eggs in cracks and small openings in your home.
Firebrat and Silverfish Diet
Firebrat bugs and silverfish have very similar diets They also produce the same type of damage in the home. Although they both eat clothing, firebrats seem to consume rayon more aggressively than silverfish bugs. The firebrat bug diet and the silverfish diet consist mostly of carbohydrates and protein. They also eat other dead or injured insects.
