Booklice / Psocids

Natural Habitat

Damp, humid environments with access to mold or starchy materials. Indoors, they are found in books, papers, stored food products, wall voids, and bathrooms. Outdoors, they live under bark, in leaf litter, and on foliage.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feed on microscopic molds, fungi, starches, glues (common in book bindings), dead insects, and organic detritus. Some species may feed on cereals and stored food products.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are small, soft-bodied insects. They are typically wingless (some species have wings). They are often found in groups in damp, secluded areas. They reproduce quickly, especially in favorable conditions (high humidity). Most are harmless scavengers, though some can be pests in stored goods. They are known for their 'lice-like' appearance and their ability to jump or run quickly when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include contamination of stored food products and damage to books, documents, and other starchy materials due to their feeding on mold and glue. They are generally not harmful to humans, do not bite, and are not known to transmit diseases. They can be an indicator of high humidity and potential mold problems in a building. Environmentally, they contribute to decomposition processes by feeding on fungi and detritus.

Identified on: 10/10/2025