Booklouse (or Psocid)
Scientific Name: Genus Liposcelis (most likely, given common indoor species)
Order & Family: Psocoptera (Booklice and Barklice) / Liposcelididae (Dustlice or Booklice)
Size: Typically 1-2 mm (some species can be smaller or slightly larger, up to 10mm for outdoor barklice, but common indoor booklice are very small).
Natural Habitat
Damp, warm, and dark places, often found in stored foods (grains, cereals), books, paper, wallpaper, and areas with mold or mildew. Common indoors.
Diet & Feeding
Fungi, mold, starch-based materials like glues in books and wallpaper, microscopic organic debris, and sometimes stored food products.
Behavior Patterns
Generally nocturnal and avoid light. They are often found in large numbers but are not directly parasitic on humans or pets. Their presence usually indicates high humidity levels and a food source like mold. They do not fly but can move quickly.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Can be a nuisance in homes, damaging books, paper, and stored food. May exacerbate allergies in sensitive individuals due to their presence and fecal matter. Their presence can indicate underlying moisture problems in a building. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: Generally none to humans, though some species outdoors contribute to decomposition processes.
Identified on: 11/7/2025