Booklice

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm environments such as between the pages of old books, under wallpaper, in pantries, or in moldy warehouses.

Diet & Feeding

Microscopic fungi, mold, mildew, starchy pastes used in bookbinding, and occasionally cereal grains or animal-based fragments.

Behavior Patterns

Gregarious and fast-moving, they prefer dark areas and high humidity (above 60%). They do not fly and lack wings in many common indoor species.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not spread disease. They are primarily a nuisance pest that can cause minor damage to books or contaminate stored dry goods; their presence is often an indicator of high moisture or mold problems.

Identified on: 12/27/2025