Firebrat

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in warm, dry environments (90°F to 108°F or 32°C to 42°C). They frequent places like boiler rooms, bakeries, near furnaces, ovens, or hot water pipes.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on carbohydrates and starches. Their diet includes flour, book bindings, glue, wallpaper paste, cereal, and sometimes paper or rayon fabrics.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and fast-moving. They do not fly but scuttle quickly when disturbed. They prefer dark hiding spots during the day and can survive for months without food if necessary.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting humans and do not transmit diseases. However, they are considered pests because they can contaminate food sources and damage books, papers, or clothing containing starches.

Identified on: 2/24/2026