Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark environments such as libraries, kitchens, under wallpaper, or in stored grains and cereals.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on microscopic fungi, mold, mildew, starch-based glues (found in book bindings), and dead organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless, soft-bodied insects that prefer high humidity. They do not undergo a larval stage, instead hatching from eggs as nymphs that resemble smaller adults.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. However, they are considered a household nuisance and can cause minor damage to books, paper products, and stored food if populations are large.

Identified on: 2/4/2026