It is so frustrating to book lovers when they see the small white worms crawling on their books, newspapers, or other stored papers and even infesting on their some damp corners of the house! These minuscule pests , also known as book lice or psocids, can become extremely numerous and cause great distress for homeowners. Although they sound like pests that specifically target books, booklice have a dynamic behavior that is more complex than their moniker implies.
If you find booklice in your house, consider contacting a professional pest control service for professional pest control that can target your specific problem and prevent it from coming back. Responding rapidly will save your precious books as well as keep you safe from health issues. Check this out to know more about Booklice, and let us get into the details to prevent them.
What Is Booklice?
Booklice are a small insect, in fact only 1 to 2 millimeters in length (roughly 1/32 to 1/16th of an inch), so small you can barely see them with the naked eye. Contrary to what their name suggests, however, the soft-bodied insects are not actually lice and do not directly harm humans or other animals.
These white, grey, or brown insects are translucent and look like small termites. Some forms possess functional wings, whereas others are wingless their entire lives. Psocids eat almost anywhere mold is growing and are abundant in damp conditions. They are found particularly in places that have moisture issues, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and bathrooms, as well as spaces where dust and books or cardboard boxes are stored.
Can They Harm You?
Physical Health Impact
They do not bite people or transmit disease. These are harmless creatures to humans and their pets. Although they are linked to books, they are not true lice and do not harm people. Being soft-bodied and feeding on substances rather than flesh, they lack the mouthparts to inflict any kind of harm.
Food Contamination Concerns
The excrement from Psocids can ruin stored food, rendering the food unsafe to eat. If these bugs have taken up residence in your pantry or food storage, they can cause you to have to scrub down the interior, clean up their droppings, and get rid of any food products affected by their presence.
Property Damage Potential
Booklice consume the starch sizing in book bindings and along the edges of pages, resulting in damage to valuable books and documents. They can also contaminate food and are known to chew rare books, paper goods, and other things. But booklice do not harm paper or fabric the way like silverfish and other pests do.
Psychological Stress
The appearance of large quantities of any insect in a home can be disconcerting to homeowners. The presence of many small insects running about books and storage areas is very alarming and distressing for people, regardless of whether or not there is any physical peril from the insects.
Indicator of Bigger Problems
The presence of booklice usually implies trouble with excess moisture, which can further cause serious structural damage, growth of mold, and destruction of valuables if left unattended.
How to Protect Your Books From Booklice?
Improve Air Circulation
Fit adequate ventilation to store and book rooms. Have good ventilation around bookshelves (have space between your books and the walls). 40 to 50%.
Eliminate Mold and Mildew
Get rid of any mould you can see. Get rid of anything that contributes to the growth of moldy food. Eliminate food sources. Use cleaning solutions to kill all visible mold on walls, ceilings, and storage areas.
Maintain Clean Storage Areas
Scrubbing the infested area and frequent cleaning of book storage spaces are recommended. Get rid of dust, dirt, and organic material that allow mold to grow and booklice to inhabit.
Address Moisture Sources
Address leaks or moisture issues right away to eliminate the conditions that help booklice infestations. Repair roof leaks, plumbing problems, and better drainage around the foundation to decrease regular moisture levels.
