Firebrat

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in warm, humid areas such as boiler rooms, near ovens, water heaters, and insulation.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that consume carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, flour, cereals, and fabric glue.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis (lacking a pupal stage) and can live for several years, molting throughout their entire life.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered household pests because they can damage books and paper products. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but their presence may indicate high humidity or heat issues.

Identified on: 4/29/2026