Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Found in humid environments, typically in books, archives, under wallpaper, or in stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on mold, fungi, spores, starchy pastes, and organic debris found in damp books or paper.

Behavior Patterns

Prefer high humidity (above 60%) to prevent dehydration. They are wingless, move rapidly with a jerky motion, and do not possess a larval stage (hemimetabolous development).

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or spread disease; however, they can cause minor damage to books and may indicate an underlying moisture or mold problem.

Identified on: 1/12/2026