Silverfish vs. Firebrat – 6 Characteristics

Silverfish vs. Firebrat. Although they are not known to cause health hazards, firebrats and silverfish are bothersome since they tend to contaminate food, create blemishes, and harm wallpaper and other household items.

It can be difficult to tell firebrats and silverfish apart despite their different species. One way to differentiate them is by their color: firebrats are typically gray or brown, while silverfish come in silver or blue shades. Additionally, firebrats tend to thrive in warmer environments than silverfish.

Read on for greater detail on how to tell silverfish vs. firebrats apart, as well as some tips for getting rid of them.

Firebrat vs. Silverfish – An Overview

Characteristics	Firebrat	Silverfish
Taxonomy	Lepismatidae family Thermobia genus Thermobia domestica Approximately 14 species in the U.S.	Lepismatidae family Lepisma genus Lepisma saccharina Approximately 18 species in North America
Color	Grayish-brown Speckled with darker spots on back	Light gray to silvery-blue
Body Length & Shape	½ inch long Carrot-shaped	½ to ¾ inch long Carrot-shaped
Other Features	Very similar to each other: Fish-like appearance Overlapping scales Threadlike long antennae 3 thin tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomens	Very similar to each other: Fish-like appearance Overlapping scales Threadlike long antennae 3 thin tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomens
Activity	Nocturnal Harbor in dark, warm, and humid environments with temperatures exceeding 90°F Feed after dark Found around hot water heaters, steam pipes, dryers, attics, and ovens; trapped in bathtubs Conceal themselves amidst clutter Infiltrate homes by hitching rides in shipping containers or cardboard boxes	Nocturnal Harbor in dark, warm, and humid environments with temperatures ranging between 70°F to 90°F Feed after dark Hide in tight cracks and crevices such as baseboards, behind wallpaper, under carpets, and other areas May be found in various locations in a house, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, basements, garages, and shake roofs Also present in commercial settings such as laundromats, restaurants, and factories Enter homes through pipes and drains and are brought in through infested items like cardboard boxes, books, and clothing
Diet	Possess cellulose-digesting enzymes resulting in similar diets: Books Clothing Textiles Starches Dry foods Deceased insects Fungi Glues Wallpaper Cardboard boxes	Possess cellulose-digesting enzymes resulting in similar diets: Books Clothing Textiles Starches Dry foods Deceased insects Fungi Glues Wallpaper Cardboard boxes

The Challenge of Identifying Silverfish vs. Firebrat

Identifying whether the infestation is caused by silverfish vs. firebrats can be challenging since the signs of their presence look quite similar. However, distinguishing between the two is crucial to fully eradicate the pests. Similar pest control methods can be used for both pests, but you must find where they are hiding to properly eliminate them. Our guides can provide options for traps, poisons, and repellents.

Tips on What to Do

Here are some simple tips that can help eliminate firebrats and silverfish from your home:

Habitat Infestation: Take note of where the pests are located. If silverfish are found near leaking pipes or firebrats near humid dryers, take measures to make those areas less hospitable to these pests. Repair pipes, plug in dehumidifiers and fans, and seal up crevices that may harbor these insects.
Traps: Place unlidded glass jars covered with masking tape in places where you suspect the pests are hiding. The textured surface of the masking tape on the outside will allow the insects to climb inside, but the smooth surface of the glass inside is too slick for them to escape. Glue traps designed for cockroaches or silverfish can also work in a pinch, and the number of insects caught can indicate the size of the infestation.
Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and quickly clean up any spills or messes. Don’t forget to vacuum areas such as cabinets, closets, under appliances, and pantry floors. Seal the vacuumed contents tightly and dispose of them outside.
Infested Household Items: If pests are found in an old book, piece of fabric, or stack of newspapers, place them in an airtight bag and store them in the freezer for a few days to kill them. Discard the bag doubly knotted into an outdoor covered garbage can. Clean the area thoroughly after removal.
Powdered Insecticides: Powders like boric acid and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) work to dehydrate both silverfish and firebrats. Sprinkle either one in areas where you suspect these pests to be effective. Follow the label instructions for proper application and safety.

If you are unsure whether you have silverfish vs. firebrats, it is best to contact a pest control professional to identify and remove any type of “bristletail” insects from your home.

Firebrat vs. Silverfish Conclusion

Firebrats and silverfish are two pests that can cause problems in homes by contaminating food and damaging wallpaper and other household items. Identifying these pests is crucial as it enables the use of the right control measures to eradicate them. This article provides information on how to differentiate between the two pests based on their taxonomy, color, body length, and activity. Additionally, it discusses their habitat infestation, diet, and ways to eliminate them from homes.