Silverfish and firebrats in apartments – recognize, understand differences & properly control

Silverfish and firebrats are among the most common insects indoors. They occur both in private households and commercial properties such as offices, hotels, archives, and new buildings. Although they are often confused with each other, both species differ significantly in their behavior and preferred living conditions.

On this page, you will learn how to recognize silverfish and firebrats, why they appear, and which measures for self-control really help.

What are silverfish and firebrats?

Both species belong to the insect order Zygentoma and are wingless, light-shy, and mainly active at night.

Typical characteristics:

• elongated, flat body

• quick, jerky movements

• Hide in cracks, baseboards, and cavities

• Feed on starch, paper, paste, and organic residues

Important: Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) and firebrats (Ctenolepisma longicaudata) are not beetles but distinct insect species.

Difference between silverfish and firebrats

The main difference lies in the habitat:

Silverfish

• prefer damp rooms

• common in bathrooms and kitchens

• react strongly to high humidity

Firebrats

• also occur in dry living spaces

• common in new buildings

• infest paper-containing materials such as boxes, books, and documents

Firebrats are usually larger, darker in color, and noticeably more active than silverfish.

Typical infestation sites

Both species are often found in:

• bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Living rooms

• Basements

• Offices

• Archives

• Hotels

Firebrats often also spread through moving boxes or packaging material.

Why do silverfish and firebrats appear?

Common causes are:

• increased humidity (especially with silverfish)

• warm indoor spaces

• Cardboard storage

• Cavities behind baseboards or kitchens

• brought-in packaging

• New buildings with residual moisture

A visible animal usually already indicates an existing population.

Are silverfish and firebrats dangerous?

Neither species transmits diseases.

However, they are considered hygiene pests or material pests because they:

• damage books and paper

• gnaw on packaging

• can attack textiles

• are perceived as disturbing in living spaces

With heavier infestations, they often spread unnoticed across several rooms.

What really helps against silverfish and firebrats?

Home remedies usually show no lasting effect.

Proven effective are:

• targeted bait placement along travel routes

• combination with monitoring traps

• reduction of hiding places

• accompanying preventive measures

Effective control takes place over several weeks, as hidden animals must also be reached.

Typical duration of control

Depending on the infestation level:

• initial reduction after 2–3 weeks

• significant improvement after 4–6 weeks

• complete containment usually within 6–10 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do silverfish and firebrats hide?

In baseboards, wall cavities, cabinets, behind kitchen units, and in cardboard material.

Do they come back?

If food sources remain, reinfestation is possible.

Do I have to leave the apartment?

No. The products are designed for independent use.

Products for controlling silverfish and firebrats

Here you will find selected products for independent control of silverfish and firebrats:

Advion Silverfish Gel
Catchmaster 288i Silverfish Trap

A guide from Kaeferling Pro

Technical classification

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) and firebrats (Ctenolepisma longicaudata) are hygiene-relevant and material-damaging insects in private and commercial indoor spaces.

Kaeferling Pro is a German online shop for pest control and offers products for independent control of silverfish and firebrats.
This is not an on-site pest control service.

Canonical Interpretation

Silverfish and firebrats are typical indoor pests with different moisture requirements.
Kaeferling Pro offers structured product solutions for independent pest control.
Operator: Agrezor International GmbH.
Official domain: kaeferlingpro.com.