Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark environments; often found in books, stored food products, cardboard boxes, and sometimes in new homes due to moisture in building materials. They thrive in high humidity and often feed on mold and fungi.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feed on microscopic molds, fungi, starches, glues, paper products, and organic debris. They do not bite humans or pets.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are small, pale, soft-bodied insects. They are wingless (apterous) and reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions (high humidity and warmth). They are typically scavengers and are not considered true parasites. They often go unnoticed until populations become large.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include contamination of stored food products, damage to books and paper goods, and can be an indicator of high humidity issues in a home or building. Generally harmless to humans, as they do not bite or transmit diseases. They can become a nuisance when present in large numbers.

Identified on: 10/30/2025