Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark places with a food source. They are often found in books, stored food products, cardboard boxes, under wallpaper, in furniture, or in other areas with high humidity and mold growth.

Diet & Feeding

Fungi, mold, starch, paste in book bindings, stored grains, dead insects, and other organic matter. They do not bite humans or animals.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are small, soft-bodied insects. Many species are wingless or have vestigial wings. They are active in humid conditions and tend to hide in crevices. They reproduce quickly in favorable conditions. Their presence often indicates high humidity and the presence of mold.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include contamination of stored food products and damage to books, documents, and other paper products due to their feeding habits on mold and paste. They are generally harmless to humans and are not known to transmit diseases. They can be a nuisance pest, and their presence can be an indicator of moisture problems in a building.

Identified on: 9/23/2025