Silverfish and Firebrats
belong to a primitive group of insects of characteristic appearance, being
flattened and carrot-shaped, broad near the head end and tapering toward
the rear. They are scaly and wingless and have long slender antennae. Three
long slender appendages occur at the rear of the body and give this group
the common name of "bristletails".
Silverfish, Lepisma
saccharina, are uniformly silver to brown, about ½ inch long. Firebrats,
Thermobia domestica, are mottled grayish brown, about ½ inch long.
Both silverfish and
firebrats develop by simple metamorphosis. Silverfish females lay up to
100 eggs in cracks and crevices. Eggs hatch in two to eight weeks depending
upon conditions. After three to four molts the nymphs develop adult coloration.
Silverfish take three to four months to become sexually mature and may
live for three to four years.
Firebrat females lay
up to 50 eggs in cracks and crevices. Because of the warmth, the eggs hatch
in 12-13 days. Nymphs are sexually mature in two to four months and full
grown in a year. Adults may live up to two years.
Silverfish live in damp
areas indoors or out, usually underneath boxes, boards, debris, etc. They
may enter homes by being carried in on cardboard cartons, books, old papers
or through house vents. They are active both day and night.
Firebrats prefer very
warm areas indoors where temperatures are above 90 F. Indoors they are
usually found near heating units, fireplaces, and steam or hot water pipes
if these areas are not too dry. Firebrats require some moisture.
Both species feed
upon starches and proteins, such as fabrics, paper, starches, glue, books
and other household furnishings. They leave yellowish stains, especially
on linens.
Control:
To keep silverfish
and firebrats away, keep basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, especially
shower stalls, clean and dry. Sealing holes or spaces around plumbing.
Repair leaks and drips in plumbing.
Clean out closets
periodically, magazines, papers, and books provide food for them. Keep
foods in containers with tight lids.
Registered pesticides
for silverfish / firebrat control vary from state to state.
There are several
commercially available products that control silverfish and firebrats.
In Arizona Deltadust
, Borid
and CY-Kick
C&C Aerosol are a few available retail.
Always read and
follow label directions for safe use of any pesticide.
Links:
Silverfish
and Firebrats (Order: Thysanura) University of Arizona
University
of California
University
of Vermont
University
of Nebraska
Have a Silverfish or Firebrat Pest control question?
Post it on IPCO message board.
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