Firebrat

Natural Habitat

Warm, humid environments, often found near heat sources such as boilers, furnaces, ovens, and hot water pipes.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic feeders that consume carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, glue, flour, and cereals.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal insects that move very quickly. They are primitive, wingless insects that undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest. While they do not transmit diseases to humans, they can damage household items like books, paper products, and dry food stores.

Identified on: 5/16/2026