Fire-brat's propensity to dwell in and consume a diverse array of household materials and commodities is the main reason they become problematic for people. Warm environments with high humidity are particularly attractive to fire-brat, where they can reproduce quickly. Their diet mainly consists of carbohydrates such as the starches found in books, textiles, and dry foodstuffs, which makes human habitats ideal for them to thrive and potentially cause a range of troubles from mild nuisances to significant damage.

Preventing infestations of fire-brat involves creating an unfavourable environment for their survival and reproduction. This can be accomplished by maintaining low humidity levels, keeping living and storage spaces clean, and regularly vacuuming to remove any potential food sources. It's also prudent to store dry food products and valuable textiles in airtight containers and conduct frequent inspections to catch early signs of their presence.

If fire-brat has caused problems, steps can be taken to reduce their numbers and limit damage without medication. Regular cleaning and decluttering of the affected areas help remove food sources and breeding grounds. Using sticky traps can physically capture them. For persistent issues, consider consulting a professional for non-chemical options like heat treatments that can eradicate fire-brat from infested items. During recovery, maintain cleanliness, monitor for reinfestation, and use dehumidifiers to keep the environment inhospitable for any survivors or newcomers.

Fire-brat directly harms dry storage commodities like grains, cereals, and pet food by feeding and contaminating them. This pest's presence can range from mild nuisances, causing minor spoilage, to severe infestations that result in substantial food loss.

Fire-brat is considered a nuisance in homes, libraries, and storage environments. Feasting primarily on carbohydrates, they can cause mild to severe damage to items containing starch or protein. They are notorious for their destructiveness on paper products including book bindings and photographs, as well as a variety of other materials such as sugar, coffee, and textiles like cotton, linen, and silk. The presence of this pest can lead to a loss of structural integrity in paper-based materials and textiles, signifying losses of both cultural and material value.

Fire-brat inflict damage through both their nymph and adult stages by chewing plant tissues, notably leaves. As generalist feeders, they demonstrate no plant preference, leading to potential widespread plant damage. Consequences range from defoliation to growth retardation, with severity dependent on infestation levels.