Silverfish or firebrat

Classification

Secondary pest; Scavengers
Order: Thysanura
Family: Lepismatidae
Acronym: None

Description

• Both range in size from 3 to 30 mm depending on life stage.
• Both have 2 long threadlike antennae and 3 “tails.”
• Silverfish tend to be brownish in coloration and covered with scales.
• Firebrats are greyer, but are also covered with scales.

Similar species

• None

Commodities affected

• Starchy substances, books, bindings, starched clothing, linens, starchy foods, vegetables
• Pet food, proteinaceous materials, flour

Signs of infestation

• No distinct damage is caused by these pests.

Damage

• Damage is not distinguishable as caused by these insects.
• They are generalist feeders.

How to control

• Control grain insect pests

Where found

• Silverfish are occasionally found in storage situations that are cool and damp.
• Firebrats are sometimes found in warm areas near furnaces, boilers and steam pipes.
• Both are found in elevators, mills, households, warehouses, processing facilities.

Life history

• Females may lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime.
• Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices on virtually any substrate.