Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark places with high humidity, such as under wallpaper, in books, food storage areas, attics, and basements. They thrive on mold and fungal growth.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feed on microscopic molds, fungi, starches from books, wallpaper paste, cereal products, and other organic debris. They are not blood feeders.

Behavior Patterns

Booklice are small, fast-moving insects that are often mistaken for other pests. They are most active in warm, humid conditions. They have a short lifespan, typically a few months, and reproduce quickly, especially in favorable conditions. Some species are parthenogenetic, meaning females can reproduce without males. They are often found in large numbers once an infestation has taken hold.

Risks & Benefits

Booklice are generally considered nuisance pests and do not bite humans or transmit diseases. However, they can contaminate food products and damage books, old papers, and other starchy materials by feeding on mold that grows on them. In rare cases, their presence might exacerbate allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals due to their chitinous exoskeletons or associated mold. They offer no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 9/17/2025