How To Get Rid Of Firebrats

Firebrats (Thermobia domestica) are small, wingless bristletails closely related to silverfish. They thrive in warm, humid environments such as around furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and kitchens. Because they are nocturnal and fast-moving, infestations can persist unnoticed until damage is visible. Here’s how home and business owners can effectively get rid of firebrats on their own:

Identify and Eliminate Moisture and Heat Sources

Firebrats are drawn to heat (90–105°F) and humidity.

Reduce humidity using a dehumidifier or improved ventilation, especially in attics, basements, and boiler rooms.
Seal leaking pipes or fixtures and ensure proper drainage in bathrooms and kitchens.
Lower the temperature around appliances or storage areas when possible.

Declutter and Remove Food Sources

Firebrats feed on starchy, sugary, or protein-based materials.

Remove paper clutter, cardboard boxes, and old books, which they feed on and hide behind.
Store dry foods, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers.
Vacuum regularly to remove crumbs, hair, lint, and dust—important hidden food sources.
Wash fabrics or linens stored for long periods, as they can feed on sizing and glues.

Seal Entry and Hiding Points

Firebrats hide in cracks, crevices, and wall voids near heat sources.

Use caulk or sealant to close gaps around baseboards, plumbing lines, and electrical conduits.
Install tight-fitting screens over vents and drains.
Replace or repair damaged insulation near furnaces and water heaters where they nest.

Use Traps for Monitoring and Reduction

Sticky traps help you gauge infestation levels and reduce population numbers.

Place glue traps or silverfish/firebrat traps near heat sources, behind appliances, and under sinks.
Monitor traps weekly and replace as needed.
Traps alone won’t eliminate the infestation but help locate high-activity areas.

Apply Insecticidal Dusts or Sprays (Targeted Use)

If the infestation persists, apply insecticides carefully.

Use boric acid dust, diatomaceous earth (DE), or silica aerogel lightly in cracks and crevices where firebrats travel.
Focus applications in attics, around furnaces, and behind baseboards.
Avoid overapplying, as heavy dusting can repel rather than kill.
For sprays, use residual insecticides labeled for firebrats (such as those containing pyrethrins or deltamethrin) in targeted spots only.

Vacuum and Clean Routinely

Regular cleaning is key to long-term control.

Vacuum infested areas weekly to remove eggs and food debris.
Dispose of vacuum bags immediately to prevent reinfestation.
Wipe down warm storage areas and keep them dry.

Prevent Reinfestation

Once you’ve eliminated the current population:

Continue monitoring with traps monthly.
Keep humidity below 50% in warm spaces.
Rotate and inspect stored papers, fabrics, and food every few months.

If firebrats continue to appear despite diligent cleaning and treatment, a professional pest control service may be necessary. Our professionals can use residual dusts and heat-resistant baits that are not available to consumers and can safely treat wall voids, attics, and equipment areas where firebrats often hide.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Firebrats

Our professional pest control is the best and most reliable way to eliminate firebrats because these bristletails are highly elusive, reproduce quickly, and thrive in areas that are difficult for property owners to access or treat effectively. While DIY methods can reduce visible activity, they often fail to reach the root of the infestation. Here's why our professional pest control is the superior approach:

Expert Identification and Inspection

Firebrats are often mistaken for silverfish, but their habitat preferences and treatment requirements differ. Our licensed pest control technician can accurately identify the pest and locate infestation sites—such as inside wall voids, insulation, or around heating systems—that homeowners might overlook. This ensures that treatment targets the correct species and the most active areas.

Access to Professional-Grade Products and Equipment

Our professionals have access to residual insecticides, heat-tolerant dusts, and growth regulators that are more potent and longer-lasting than over-the-counter options. These materials are formulated for use in hard-to-reach areas like behind baseboards, inside utility chases, and around furnaces—places where firebrats typically hide and breed. Additionally, our professionals use specialized tools, allowing us to apply treatments safely and effectively.

Comprehensive Treatment of Hidden Areas

Firebrats favor warm, dark spaces near heat sources, such as attics, boiler rooms, and electrical panels. These areas can be dangerous or inaccessible for property owners to treat on their own. Our pest control technicians are trained to locate and safely treat these environments without disrupting electrical systems or heating equipment. Our treatments reach deep harborages where firebrats lay eggs and congregate—something DIY surface treatments rarely accomplish.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

Our professionals use a scientific, multi-step approach that combines sanitation, habitat modification, and targeted chemical or non-chemical controls. This method not only removes the existing infestation but also prevents reinfestation by addressing underlying causes such as high humidity, heat leaks, or structural vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Prevention and Monitoring

A single treatment may not be enough for deeply established firebrat populations. We provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance plans to ensure the infestation doesn’t return. Through periodic inspections and trap placement, our professionals can detect early signs of activity and act before the population rebounds.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Applying insecticides around heat sources, electrical wiring, and sensitive equipment poses safety risks if not done correctly. Our professionals are trained to handle these materials in compliance with state and federal safety regulations, minimizing risk to people, pets, and property. We also know which formulations are safe for use in commercial or food-handling environments.

Guaranteed Results and Peace of Mind

If firebrats come back in between regularly scheduled services, we’ll return at no cost. This ensures complete eradication and provides peace of mind that the problem is fully under control—something DIY efforts can’t guarantee.

Our professional pest control is the most effective and safest way to eliminate firebrats because we combine expert knowledge, advanced tools, and integrated long-term prevention strategies. Homeowners and business owners benefit from comprehensive coverage, proven results, and the assurance that the infestation won’t return.

Get Rid Of Firebrats With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!