Booklouse (Barklouse)

Natural Habitat

Damp, high-humidity indoor environments such as old books, wallpaper, stored food products, and under carpets.

Diet & Feeding

Microscopic mold, mildew, fungi, and organic debris like starchy glues or grains.

Behavior Patterns

Wingless and light-sensitive, they thrive in moisture and reproduce quickly in humid conditions; they go through simple metamorphosis (hemimetabolous).

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not transmit disease, but they can occasionally contaminate dry food goods or damage old book bindings in large numbers.

Identified on: 12/26/2025