Key Features:
These fast moving, minute, cream-coloured or light brown insects, only 1mm long, occur in small numbers in many premises.

Biology:
There are several species, known collectively as Psocides. All have soft bodies. Very few species have wings. They are not related to the parasitic lice. Sticky, pearl-coloured eggs are cemented to damp surfaces and, instead of a larval stage, the insect matures through four recognisable nymphal stages, taking about a fortnight in total. One species of booklouse produces an audible tapping noise by banging its abdomen against paper or wood.

Distribution:
Booklice may crawl in large numbers over stored papers, books, walls, furniture, and other materials in damp, warm, undisturbed areas especially during the spring and summer months. They can also occur in huge numbers in new properties where the plaster is still damp.

Significance:
The adult booklice are believed to feed on microscopic moulds that grow on the glue of book-bindings or on damp cardboard, damp food (especially cereals) or on the surfaces of plaster, leather or wood inside buildings. This can be very damaging where large numbers of booklice appear.

Control:
Lowering the relative humidity in a building hinders the development of booklice and can cause death due to desiccation (drying out). Chemical control is rarely needed but various sprays can destroy infestations, when applied to the rotting areas.

Good ventilation can prevent further infestations from occurring.

If you have a problem with booklice, Safeguard can help you! Contact us today for more information.