About Thermobia domestica (Packard, 1837)
The firebrat, scientifically named Thermobia domestica (Packard, 1837), is a small insect belonging to the order Zygentoma, with a typical length of 1 to 1.5 centimeters. Firebrats thrive in relatively warm temperatures ranging from 36 to 39 °C, and they need a certain level of humidity to survive. They are commonly found indoors close to heat sources like furnaces and boilers. Their diet includes a wide variety of carbohydrates and starches that also act as protein sources, such as dog food, flour, and book bindings. This species is distributed across most regions of the world. While they can normally be found outdoors in places like under rocks, in plant litter, and in similar environments, they are also often found indoors, where they are considered pests. They do not cause major damage, but they can contaminate food, damage paper goods, and stain clothing. Apart from these effects, they are mostly harmless.
