Firebrat vs White-shouldered House Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Firebrat White-shouldered House Moth
Scientific Name Thermobia domestica Endrosis sarcitrella
Order Blattodea Lepidoptera
Family Lepismatidae Oecophoridae
Size 10-15 mm 15-21 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Indoors
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Firebrat

A heat-loving relative of the silverfish that thrives at temperatures of 37-39C. Found near furnaces, boilers, and bakeries. One of the most thermophilic household insects.

💡

Did You Know?

Firebrats seek out the hottest spots in buildings — they have been found living happily inside commercial bread ovens and next to industrial furnaces at nearly 40C.

White-shouldered House Moth

A small greyish moth with a conspicuous white head and thorax that is common in buildings year-round. It is found worldwide as a minor household pest.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the few moths that can breed continuously indoors throughout the year without a dormant phase.