Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Typically found in damp, warm, and undisturbed areas where organic matter is present, such as behind wallpaper, under loose floorboards, in stored books, food pantries, and sometimes in new homes prior to drying out completely.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on fungi, mold, starch, glues, dead insects, and other organic debris. In homes, they can be found feeding on the starch in book bindings, wallpaper paste, and cereal products.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are small, soft-bodied insects, often wingless (especially domestic species). They are nocturnal and prefer dark, humid environments. They move quickly when disturbed but are generally not noticed until populations are large. Their life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages, with nymphs resembling smaller versions of the adults.

Risks & Benefits

Booklice are generally harmless to humans, not biting or spreading diseases. However, large infestations can cause damage to books, documents, and stored food products, making them a nuisance pest. They can also indicate a moisture problem in a building, which might lead to mold growth.

Identified on: 11/9/2025