A new construction environment is relatively humid, and these teeny bugs thrive in moist conditions.
Luckily, these bugs can be easily managed, and they typically do not survive when humidity levels drop.
Booklice feed anywhere there is microscopic mold and grow where there’s humidity.
The Spruce
These outdoor species are often called barklice.
If you have a psocid problem, here are more tips on how to prevent or control booklice.
The Spruce
What Do Booklice Look Like?
Booklice aretiny insects, only about 1 to 2 mm longroughly 1/32 to 1/16th of an inch.
They look similar to termites.
There are about 30 species, and most booklice inside are wingless.
Their head and abdomen are large relative to their thorax.
They’re sometimes confused for bed bugs or flour beetles since these insects infest homes.
Bed bugs are round and oval and bite, while booklice are skinnier and do not bite.
Flour beetles are much larger and have a darker, reddish-brown color.
Although the tiny bugs can be an annoyance, they are no more than that.
These small insects will not survive when the humidity in a new home eventually drops.
Reduce humidity
Reducing the humidity of your home is a great way to manage an infestation.
initiate the windows, placefansaround the home, or trydehumidifiersin problem rooms.
Clean the area with enzymes orborax.
Keep the areas clean and free of molds andmildew.
Improve airflow
Booklice need moisture to live.
Use a dehumidifier orair conditionerin the infested or potential infestation areabathrooms and basements are prime zones.
Ensure you turn on your bathroom ventilator fan after every shower or tub use.
The goal is to reduce moisture to below 50 percent.
Open windows, where possible, to increase ventilation.
you could also use fans to help improve the airflow.
Clean up mold and mildew
Dispose of all moldy articles.
Clean up mold or mildew spots with chlorine or oxygen bleach, borax, orvinegar.
The main areas to look out for are pantries, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and laundry rooms.
Seal leaks or dripping pipes to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Clean up spills as soon as they occur and use bathmats to collect standing water.
Wash towels and bathmats frequently to discourage mold and mildew growth.
This option can also work with smaller things like a prized book with an infestation.
Put the item in a zip-top bag and place it in the freezer for over an hour.
you’re able to use insect spray as a last resort to eliminate a bad infestation.
Use apyrethrin-based insecticide, a substance inchrysanthemumsthat kills pests.
Booklice vs. Head Lice
Booklice look a lot like headlice, but they’re not related.
They are a lighter shade of gray.
They may have wings, but they do not fly.
Meanwhile, head lice bite people and animals.
Yes, booklice can find their way into beds.
This is why they are often confused with bed bugs.
The lifespan of an adult booklice is about six months.
The life cycle from egg to adult takes about three months.
The adult female lays up to 100 eggs, which take 2 to 4 weeks to hatch into nymphs.
Yes, booklice will usually go away on their own.
Once the humidity in your new home decreases, they will not be able to survive.
Booklice, Penn State Extension
Booklice, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Entomology
