WSU Extension

Pestsense

Firebrats

(revision date: 7/14/2015)


Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology
Firebrats are wingless, fast-moving insects about 1/2 inch long. They have two long antennae on their head and three long bristles on their tail. Firebrats are mottled tan in color and prefer to live in very warm areas such as around furnaces and hot water pipes. They feed on starchy materials such as glue, paste, fabric finish, book bindings, paper and fabric and can be found anywhere in the house.
Management Options

Non-Chemical Management
  • Avoid accumulating large amounts of paper, books and lumber.
  • Keep storage areas clean.
  • Trap insects by using a small jar with smooth vertical walls. Place something rough on the outer walls of the jar to allow the insect to crawl up and fall into the jar. Trapping is enhanced by placing something like flour or oatmeal inside the jar. Place traps in the insect’s path such as in corners and next to walls.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended.

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Caption: Firebrat
Photo by: unknown