How to Get Rid of Booklice

Booklice thrive in moist environments. Despite their tiny size, these insects can quickly multiply, leading to a booklice infestation that can be very difficult to control.

Although their name makes it seem like they can only be found in old books, booklice are happy to settle in any dark, warm, and humid place. Therefore, the more you know about them, including how they look, their characteristics and what attracts them, the better prepared you will be to prevent them from invading your home.

If you want to know how to get rid of booklice, then you’re in the right place! Keep on reading to discover valuable tips for dealing with this pest.

What are booklice and how they look

Psocids, also known as booklice, are a type of common household pests. They are small insects that feed primarily on mould and fungi, so they prefer dark, damp environments where mould thrives. Usually between 1mm and 2mm in size, these tiny creatures are white, grey, or light brown in colour and resemble brown sugar grains.

Booklice have two long, filamentous antennae on their heads and a distinctive bulge at the front, which is called the “clypeus” and functions as the upper “lip” of the insect. Beneath the clypeus, they have chewing mouthparts, including a chisel-shaped upper jaw that allows them to scrape and grind their food.

Due to their size, shape, and colouring, these insects are frequently mistaken for bed bugs or bed bug nymphs. However, booklice have long antennae and narrow bodies, which set them apart from bed bugs.

In the UK, there are two main species: Trogium pulsatorium, commonly present in older, slightly damp houses and Liposcelis bostrychophila, thought to be the most prevalent pest found in domestic kitchens.

Can booklice harm you?

Generally, booklice are not harmful. They do not bite, inflict damage on property, or spread diseases. However, some people may experience allergic reactions due to their presence. Certain species of booklice, particularly from the genus Liposcelis, are recognised as pests of stored products, infesting pantries and contaminating items such as grains, flour, cereal, and pasta.

Signs of a booklice infestation

In most cases, they do not leave much evidence of their presence, so you may not realize there is a booklice infestation in your home. However, there are some things to be cautious about:

• Eggs – Eggs laid by booklice are sticky. Individually or in groups, they can often be found on damp, moist surfaces. In some instances, eggs may be laid next to food sources, such as flour.
• Spoiled food – If you notice that some food products spoil too quickly, you may be a victim of booklice. Usually, the insect will target flour, cereals, and dried cured meat, so if you see white powder near these, it’s a sure sign that you have booklice.
• Actual booklice activity – Occasionally, you’ll see booklice in the open. They can be found on damp wood surfaces, furniture, books, magazines, or walls. Typically, in groups, they move swiftly and can often be quite unpredictable.

How to get rid of booklice

1. Get rid of mould and mildew in the house.

Mould is one of the things booklice love to eat, so removing their primary source of nutrition is the first step in eliminating booklice. As mould can also affect your health, it’s best to get rid of it as quickly as possible. It grows in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and any areas where there is moisture. You can remove it from your house by scrubbing the area with bleach, vinegar, borax, or special products that you can get from the store.

2. Reduce humidity

As booklice need moisture to live, reducing humidity in your house will eliminate them. Effective ventilation is crucial, so it is important to open windows and doors frequently to allow for proper airflow and dry out any moisture. Set up dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. You need to reduce humidity to below 50%. Make sure to empty the dehumidifier’s reservoir when it gets full. Another option is to increase the temperature in the affected room, as dry heat is less favourable for booklice survival.

3. Clean and vacuum

Remove all infested products from your cupboards and dispose of them outside. Make sure that you vacuum the crevices in the cupboards as well. Booklice can be found in other parts of your house, so vacuum those areas as well. Throw away the contents of the vacuum cleaner in a waste bin outside of your property.

4. Freeze containers and products

In some cases, containers and products can be treated by freezing them for 24 hours inside plastic bags. All insects and eggs inside will die as a result. Objects such as books can also be frozen. Place them in plastic bags if you suspect that they contain eggs or booklice.

5. Use dehydrating products

Avoid using insecticide products because of possible food contamination. However, dehydrating agents such as silica aerogel, diatomaceous earth, or boric acid can be applied as dust in non-food zones, including cracks, crevices, crawl spaces, and places out of reach of children and pets, to effectively dry the affected area. Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

What attracts booklice

As their name implies, booklice are often found in locations rich in books, cardboard, and paper, such as libraries and warehouses. However, they do not consume books themselves; instead, they feed on the glue used in book bindings and the microscopic mould that develops on paper when exposed to moisture or humidity.

Booklices are frequently linked to mould in homes. Besides flour and crumbs, they feed on mould that grows in humid environments. The most common reasons for excess moisture in a property are leaking water pipes, dry plaster, or condensed moisture from not enough ventilation in the kitchen or bathroom.

Dark, moist areas are preferred living places by booklice since they dislike disturbances or light, and they are typically found in warm, humid areas, like:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens and pantries
• Laundry rooms
• Basements
• Storage rooms
• Boiler rooms
• Attics
• Ductwork

How to prevent and control booklice

• The best way to prevent booklice is to control humidity levels in your house.
• Keep your bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated by opening windows regularly. It is important to keep food storage areas aerated and cool. In case that storage in cool ventilated cabinets is not available, make sure to keep your cupboards dry.
• Patch up any leaks you find at your home.
• Don’t leave open food products for long periods of time or store them in airtight containers/ bags.
• Regularly clean your cupboards, as food crumbs can accumulate in cracks and crevices.
• Check your home for leaks – no matter how minor, a leak creates the perfect living environment for booklice.
• Commercial products that combat mould and fungi will also help keep the area clean and maintain control of mould-feeding pests.

Conclusion

Getting rid of booklice requires a comprehensive approach focused on maintaining a dry and clean home environment. By addressing the root causes – excess moisture, mould, and improper food storage, you can prevent these tiny pests from becoming a nuisance. Proactive measures like reducing humidity, improving ventilation, and storing food in airtight containers will create an inhospitable environment, helping you prevent booklice infestation before it starts.

Although these pests do not pose a direct threat to your health or home, their populations can increase rapidly, making timely intervention crucial. If the infestation becomes severe, it’s best to book a professional pest control service, as they have access to specialized products and equipment not available to the general public. By taking these steps, you can effectively manage and prevent booklice in your home.

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