Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm environments with high humidity, often found in books, paper, wall coverings, and stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Microscopic fungi, mold, algae, and starchy organic materials like book bindings and wallpaper paste.

Behavior Patterns

Gregarious insects that thrive in high humidity; they are wingless and move with a characteristic jerky, running motion.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit disease, but can be a nuisance and cause minor damage to paper goods and stored dry pantry goods.

Identified on: 12/27/2025