Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark environments, often found in books, stored food products, wallpaper, and other places with mold or starchy materials.

Diet & Feeding

Mold, fungi, starch-based materials (e.g., bookbindings, wallpaper glue, dried food products, cereal grains)

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, typically hidden from light. They are not true lice and do not bite humans or animals. They reproduce quickly in favorable conditions (high humidity).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to stored goods (books, food, wallpaper) due to feeding on mold or starchy materials. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans, although high populations can be an annoyance. No significant benefits known.

Identified on: 10/8/2025