How to Tell the Difference Between Silverfish, Firebrats, and Earwigs

If you’ve noticed small, wingless insects scurrying around in your home, they may be silverfish, firebrats, or earwigs. These household pests are quite common and easily mistaken for each other. They look quite similar, but there are some key differences.

In this article, we’ll delve into the ways you can tell silverfish, firebrats, and earwigs apart. This way you can be equipped with the knowledge to identify which pest you’re dealing with and make informed decisions about potential pest control measures.

What Are the Main Differences Between Silverfish, Firebrats, and Earwigs?

	Silverfish	Firebrats	Earwigs
Identify
Appearance	From 1 to 2.5 cm; light shimmery gray to blue color; long, slender, flattened body	From 1 to 1.5 cm; grayish-brown & speckled; carrot-shaped	From 5 to 25mm; brownish-red color; can be winged or wingless
Environment	Damp, moderate temperature/ often found in kitchen cupboards, basements, attics, bathrooms, under sinks, in laundry rooms	Hot, moist areas; often found in high moisture areas, like bathtubs, dryers, hot water heaters, ovens, and attics	Dark, moist areas; often found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, under stacks of newspapers or magazines, under potted plants
Diet	Glue, clothing, paper, wallpaper, photos, dry goods— like flour, sugar, oats, & any other items that are high in starch or sugar	Anything high in protein, sugar, or starch, such as dog food, flour, wallpaper, book bindings	Plants & other insects

Silverfish, Firebrats, and Earwigs in the Southeastern United States

Silverfish, firebrats, and earwigs are relatively common household pests. They share characteristics such as their preference for moisture, being mostly nocturnal, and having relatively quick movements. All are insects, but silverfish and firebrats belong to the order Thysanura, while earwigs belong to Dermaptera. 

The good news is that they’re harmless. If you don’t like the sight of them, take comfort in the fact that at least they won’t bite or spread disease – unlike some household pests.

This leads to one of the most obvious differences – their “tails.” Earwigs have two appendages protruding from their abdomen, while silverfish and firebrats have three. This gives silverfish and firebrats their common nickname “bristletails”.

More to Know About Silverfish

Silverfish move across surfaces in a fish-like way, which is how they received their name. They have no wings but can run quickly. They are nocturnal and require very high humidity levels to survive. Silverfish do not hibernate and are active year-round.

Silverfish can damage property by feeding on different items throughout your home. They will feed on glue, clothing, paper, wallpaper, and photos, along with dry goods like flour, sugar, oats, and any other items that are high in starch or sugar. Although they are creepy-looking, silverfish do not bite or carry diseases. They are considered nuisance pests but can contaminate your food sources as they feed on them.

More to Know About Firebrats

Firebrats are grayish-brown and speckled with darker spots on their back. Their body is tapered from front to back and is somewhat carrot-shaped. Two of their most distinguishing characteristics are the presence of a long pair of antennae and three long, slender, hair-like structures that extend from the last segment of their body –giving them the common name, bristletails.

Firebrats do not have wings, but move around by running rapidly.

More to Know About Earwigs

Earwigs are long, thin insects with distinctive pincher-like appendages or “cerci” at the base of their abdomen. The appendages are where they get their nickname “pincher bug.” You may recognize earwigs from the common myth that they enter into human ears, burrow into the brain, and then lay their eggs. Luckily, this is just a myth — it’s completely false.

Earwigs typically infest homes and businesses when the weather becomes too hot or dry for them. They will move indoors to find dark, moist places to hide in. When infesting homes they can be found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, under stacks of newspapers or magazines, and potted plants.

Getting rid of earwigs from your home can be a frustrating task. Reducing the moisture levels in your home can help, but professional pest control is the best solution. Professionals can find all the areas of your home that the earwigs are hiding in and eliminate them.

Call for Expert Firebrat, Earwig, and Silverfish Extermination Service

Even if they aren’t dangerous, silverfish, firebrats, and earwigs can be unpleasant – and extremely difficult to eliminate on your own. That’s why we recommend working with a professional pest control company like Lookout Pest Control.

Our expert pest exterminators will do a full assessment of the scope of the problem and create a customized solution for your home. Call us today and let’s get started!