How to get rid of Firebrats?

Firebrats also known as bristletails are insects belonging to the Lepismatidae family and Thysanura order. They appear very similar to silverfish in the first glance. However, if observed closely you can make out their spotted grayish orange body accentuated with darkish scales. Firebrats measure between 3/8 and ½ inch and have a very swift movement. They do not bite or sting but eat away paper, cardboards, grains, glues, fibers and dead insects.

How to prevent firebrat infestation?    

You need to keep your interiors scrupulously clean to keep firebrats away. Seal each crack and hole in the basement, foundation, windows, cables, faucets and vents. Next, you must put away all food materials in tightly sealed containers in cleaned closets or refrigerator. Do not leave any books, papers or magazines scattered around. If you spill anything, wipe it away immediately.

Try to keep your interiors dry because firebrats thrive easily under moist and humid conditions. You might have to install fans, air conditioners and some dehumidifiers in bathrooms, kitchen and attics to keep out moisture and warmth. Get any leaky pipes or faucets repaired and make it a point to ventilate closed rooms from time to time. Fix screens in your doors and windows.

Do not leave any kind of clutter around the house, whether papers, clothes or woods that could turn into a possible shelter for firebrats. Put away moist bathroom rugs and bathmats. Keep the house brightly lit during night for driving away firebrats that are nocturnal in nature. Keep checking around ovens, dishwashers, hot water pipes and central heating pipes as the possible places of gathering of the heat-loving firebrats.

How to kill firebrats?

You can use any common insecticide to get rid of firebrats in your house. However, borate-based products are best for eliminating the creatures in case of a severe infestation.