Booklice

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and warm areas with high humidity, often found in pantries, old books, under wallpaper, or in new construction with damp drywall.

Diet & Feeding

They feed primarily on microscopic mold, fungi, starches (like those found in book glue or cereals), and dead insect parts.

Behavior Patterns

They are scavengers that thrive in humidity levels above 60%. They do not fly and move in a characteristically jerky fashion. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans or pets. However, they are considered nuisance pests that can contaminate stored food products and damage old book bindings in large numbers.

Identified on: 1/13/2026