Firebrat Control

Firebrats can become a major pest if left untreated. Firebrats are 1/2" to 1" in length, they don't have wings, they are usually light grey to tan in color and nocturnal. You know they are a problem when you begin to find them on your ceiling, in light fixtures, in sinks or baths, or on counter tops. Although firebrats like to eat vegetable matter, they will readily feed on anything in the home. Anything includes meat, pantry items, fabric, boxes, paper, wallpaper, clothing, pet food or other items in the home. Most homeowners will start to notice a problem with activity being in the "upstairs" of their home.  And many times this activity is confusing. Firebrats found in bath tubs or sinks are thought to be coming up from the drain pipe. This rarely if ever happens if the sink is used even just a few times a year. Here is what does happen. Firebrats seek moisture, mold and other food commonly found where it is wet. They will readily forage in tubs and sinks attracted to the moisture these areas readily have. Being nocturnal, they forage at night rarely seen by the home's occupants. Once in the tub or sink, they cannot escape. The next day they are found either dead or walking around by the drain and they are mistakenly thought to have come up from the pipes! If you are finding firebrats in such areas, they are most likely coming from an adjacent wall void or ceiling space – maybe even your attic if it's above this area. And though these pests will thrive around the home under rocks and mulch, they will readily seek shelter under siding of your house. Once they establish themselves on the outside of the home, they will move from there to your attic and living areas.

If you suspect firebrats have moved into your home and you want to get rid of them, read our FIREBRAT CONTROL article. This article covers everything you need to know about this pest including treatment options.