Booklice Identification & Prevention

Despite their descriptive name, booklice are not true lice; they are only called “lice” because of their similar appearance. Booklice are insects and part of the order Psocoptera. They are wingless and tiny; adults grow to only about 1/16th of an inch in length. Booklice have six legs, with the back legs being a bit larger and thicker than the rest. They use their legs not to jump but to run quickly from place to place. Their soft body ranges in color from cream to gray to brown.

Booklice certainly are annoying pests, but they are not dangerous pests. They are not true lice so they do not feed on the blood of people or animals. Their main source of food is fungi and mold.

Inside our homes, things like rice, cereals, and other dry goods can become contaminated by booklice, especially if they are stored in a humid area. They will also invade other items that also hold moisture, like fabrics and paper.

If booklice are in your home, it is generally because there is an underlying moisture issue. These insects are attracted to areas of high humidity. Things like wallpaper, books, fabrics, upholstered furniture, paintings, and papers hold in moisture. Items that are susceptible to mold and fungi growth are, in turn, susceptible to hungry booklice!

Professional moisture control services can help mitigate any moisture issues you might be facing.

Booklice thrive in high-humidity areas of our homes. They migrate towards areas of moisture. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, cardboard boxes, areas around drains, and kitchens are all common places booklice invade.

Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate booklice and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with booklice with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Repair leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Use dehumidifiers to keep basements dry.
• Use air-conditioners to lower humidity levels in your home.
• Ventilate crawl spaces.
• Store paper, books, clothing, and fabrics in plastic containers with locking lids, not in cardboard boxes.
• Limit the number of cardboard boxes and excess paperwork you keep in your home.
• Store goods in dry areas of your home.
• Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them in containers with air-tight lids.