Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, secluded areas with mold or starchy materials, such as books, stored food, wallpaper, under floorboards, or in damp basements. Often found indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on fungi, mold, starchy materials (e.g., book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal products), dead insects, and organic debris.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and prefer dark, humid conditions. Reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions. Most species are wingless or have vestigial wings. Often found in large groups.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans, not known to bite or transmit diseases. Can be a nuisance pest in homes, contaminating stored food and damaging books or paper products. An indicator of high humidity conditions which can lead to mold growth.

Identified on: 9/14/2025