Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark places. Found in homes, libraries, museums, and storage areas, feeding on mold, fungi, and starchy materials. Can be found in books, stored food, wallpaper, furniture, and under floorsboards.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feed on mold, fungi, algae, lichen, and microscopic particles of organic matter. In homes, they can consume starchy materials like glues in book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal products, and dried food.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and prefer undisturbed environments. They are not strong fliers and are often seen crawling. They reproduce quickly in favorable conditions (high humidity, warm temperatures). Their presence often indicates high moisture levels in a building.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and do not bite or transmit diseases. They are considered a nuisance pest when found in large numbers, as they can damage books, papers, and stored food products. Their presence can signal underlying moisture problems in a home. They have no significant benefits.

Identified on: 9/19/2025