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Firebrats (Thermobia domestica)
Firebrats are fast-moving, silver-gray insects closely related to silverfish that thrive in very warm, humid environments such as near boilers, furnaces, and hot water pipes. They feed on starchy materials including paper, glue, textiles, and food scraps, causing damage to books, wallpaper, and stored goods. Their cryptic behavior and preference for heat make them difficult to detect until damage accumulates. Targeted residual insecticide applications in warm, humid harbourage areas combined with moisture reduction provide effective control.