Silverfish and Firebrats
The silverfish and the firebrat are present-day
members of a very old and primitive insect group. The
adults are wingless, about 1/2 inch (10-12mm) long and
have three long bristles at the tail end of the body. The
silverfish is covered with shiny grayish-white scales. It
prefers damp places in basements, bathrooms and porches.
The firebrat is mottled with brownish and blackish scales
and prefers much higher temperatures, breeding rapidly at
temperatures around 100 degrees F. They are common around
furnaces, trash incinerators, fireplaces, and in
insulation around hot water or heat pipes. Both
silverfish and firebrats feed on vegetable matter with a
high protein, starch or sugar content; they are active at
night and hide during the day. They can cause damage to
book bindings, starched fabrics, wallpaper paste and
stocks of paper on which paste or glue is present. New
houses may become infested with them before the plaster
and woodwork are thoroughly dry. Basement food
incinerators attract them and provide a constant source
of food, often making their control more difficult. They
take from 3 to 24 months to mature, and may live as long
as 3 years.
Integrated Silverfish and Firebrat Management
Control requires preventative measures (strict
sanitation, sealing cracks and crevices, removing food
and moisture, etc.) in conjunction with insecticide
treatments.
If you choose to use an insecticide a ready to use
formulation of propoxur, or chlorphyrifos is suggested.
Do not contaminate food or utensils with insecticide.
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have
any concerns regarding your personal health risk.