Booklice are small insects between 0. 04 and 0. 08 inches (1 and 2 mm) in length. The abdomen makes up the majority of the entire body. [1] X Research source These insects come in a range of colors, from translucent to white, and from gray to brown. Booklice that live indoors do not have wings, but they do have relatively large mouthparts. Because booklice feed on mold, they’re often found in warm, moist environments, such as near books and papers, under wallpaper, in pantries, and in open food and grain containers.
Throw out any contaminated food items that you find, such as old cereal boxes, bags of flour, or grains and other items that aren’t airtight. To kill booklice on infested items that you don’t want to throw out, seal the items in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for one to two days. Then remove the bag from the freezer and vacuum the item to get rid of the dead booklice. [2] X Research source
Mold grows where there’s moisture, such as on food, in bathrooms and kitchens, in laundry rooms, and on paper products. When you see visible mold in your house, kill it by scrubbing the area with oxygen bleach, vinegar, or borax. [3] X Research source There are some items, such as paper and books, that can’t properly be disinfected without destroying the item. Throw out moldy items that can’t be cleaned.
To kill booklice, you’ll have to get the humidity under 50 percent. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity. Be sure to empty the reservoir on the dehumidifier when it becomes full.
Fix any leaking or dripping pipes in the house[4] X Research source Place removable trays under indoor plants to catch excess water Clean up spills immediately Use mats in front of showers and bathtubs
Ventilation is particularly important in areas that are prone to moisture, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms. All bathrooms should be equipped with ceiling fans to remove moisture when showers and tubs are in use.
For house-wide infestations, spray anywhere you’ve seen booklice, in all damp rooms and areas, along the foundation of the house, around window and door frames, and even the cracks and seams in bookshelves and pantries. [6] X Research source Pesticides you can use include Tri-Die Aerosol, diatomaceous earth, Demand CS, and 565 Plus XLO. [7] X Research source
For a booklice infestation around books, remove the books from the shelves and vacuum the covers, bindings, and pages. If you don’t have a vacuum, dust furniture, shelves, and other areas, and then sweep the floors thoroughly.
Let cupboards, shelves, and pantries dry completely over several hours before returning items to their proper places. [8] X Research source
Paper products include things like printer and writing paper, letters, books, old newspapers and magazines, and even boxes and cardboard. [9] X Research source
Books should always be kept on shelves rather than stacked on the floor. If you have a lot of items stored in boxes, store the boxes on shelves when possible, or build platforms to keep them off the ground.
Spill a drink Slosh water out of the sink when doing dishes Drip water when getting out of the bath or shower Experience a pipe burst or leak
Breads Cereals Beans and grains Flours, sugars, and other baking supplies Cookies and crackers
Leave a dehumidifier running in the dampest rooms in your house year round. Open windows as often as possible, and use fans to circulate air in the house.
