Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and undisturbed areas with mold or mildew, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, wall voids, and stored books/papers. They are also found outdoors under tree bark or leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Booklice feed on microscopic mold, mildew, fungi, starch, paste in book bindings, wallpaper paste, and other organic debris. They do not bite or feed on blood.

Behavior Patterns

They are typically active in high humidity, often found in large numbers when conditions are favorable. They are not strong fliers (though some species have wings) and prefer to crawl. Their life cycle is relatively short, and they can reproduce quickly.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. They do not transmit diseases, bite humans, or cause structural damage. However, large infestations can contaminate food products, damage books, and indicate high humidity and potential mold problems. They generally pose no direct risk to human health, though some individuals may have allergic reactions to their presence or their excretions.

Identified on: 11/4/2025