Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark environments. Indoors, they are commonly found in books, stored food products, wallpaper, and other starchy materials, especially where humidity is high. Outdoors, they live under bark, in leaf litter, and bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

Fungi, mold, starches, glues, dead insects, and other organic debris. They do not bite humans.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are soft-bodied, small, and often colorless or pale. They are active in humid conditions and can reproduce quickly. They are generally scavengers and are not considered true pests unless present in very large numbers, indicating a moisture problem.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans, though large infestations can contaminate food products or damage books/papers by feeding on mold or glue. Their presence often indicates high humidity and mold growth. They are not known to transmit diseases or bite.

Identified on: 10/6/2025