Silverfish and Firebrats
Silverfish and firebrats are placed in the order Thysanura which is considered one of the most primitive of the living insect orders. There are four species considered common; the Firebrat (Thermobia domestica), the Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina), the Gray or Longtailed Silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudata), and the Four-Lined Silverfish (Ctenolepisma quadriseriata). Presence of either silverfish or firebrats indicate a warm humid environment. Firebrats will favour areas of higher temperatures while Silverfish prefer slightly cooler environments. Adverse to light, they tend to be found in dark areas of suitable climate with an abundant supply of food. However, their presence at a feeding site not warm or humid may indicate a nearby preferred microclimate.
Signs of Infestation includes damage from silverfish and firebrats on paper products is often characterized by ragged scraped areas and irregular holes. Damage to textiles is indicated by the presence of faeces (described as small, dark, and visible to the naked eye), scales (visible with a hand lens), and ground fibres. A yellow stain is often apparent at the damaged area.
Silverfish and firebrats are particularly fond of starch and items containing starch. They can often be found to be feeding on wallpaper and its adhesive paste as well as glazed paper, as both have a high starch content. They are also reported to feed upon other paper products, book bindings, textiles, cotton, silk and other glues.
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