Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, humid conditions; found in books, papers, stored food products, walls, and other undisturbed areas in homes and buildings where mold or mildew may be present.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on fungi, mold, starches (e.g., glue in book bindings, wallpaper paste), and detritus. They do not bite humans or pets.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are wingless or have very reduced wings. They are fast-moving insects that prefer dark, humid environments. They often appear in large numbers when conditions are favorable (high humidity). They have a short life cycle (a few weeks to a few months) and can reproduce rapidly.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest, indicating high humidity and potential mold growth. They can damage paper products (books, documents) and occasionally infest stored food, although they are not known to transmit diseases. Their presence can signal underlying moisture problems in a structure. They are not known to have direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 9/9/2025