Considered mostly a nuisance, they also contaminate food with their droppings and scales from their bodies damage paper goods and even stain cloth. Silverfish and firebrats are usually introduced in the home from some outside source.
Considerable time is required for populations to become established, grow and reproduce.
Once they are controlled, they generally do not reinfest from outdoors. Biology and Description Silverfish and firebrats are flattened from top to bottom, elongated and oval in shape. They are easy to recognize by their lack of wings, three caudal or tail projections and two long antennae. Their bodies are covered with fine scales which are silvery to brown in color. Silverfish develop from egg to young to adult and continue to molt throughout their adult life.