Psocids (Book Lice/Book Louse)

Psocids

Psocids are smaller than 1/16th of an inch

 

Do book lice really exist?

Yes, but Book Lice have a misleading name. Book Lice are not true lice even though they are very similar in biological structure. From nymph to adult in the summer months, a mother can lay up to 60 eggs with a life span of 1 month. This is due to the high humidity because they feed on mold and fungus. They do not feed on humans, transmit any diseases, or damage any human product. They are just very annoying in large numbers. In the winter months, a mother produces half the amount of eggs but the life span becomes a couple of months longer from nymph to adult.

The areas you often find Book Lice are in cereals, grains, and as the name indicates, books. Any place producing mold or fungus becomes a greater possibility of having hordes of Book Lice. Surprisingly, they can also be found in wallpaper because of the “starchy paste” and under window sills for the moisture from outdoors.

The best way to eliminate book bice is to call Enviroguard Pest Solutions to identify the pest and develop a program for eliminating the problem. A customer recently had a problem with a biting insect and identification by an Enviroguard Pest Management Professional confirmed the real pest was Book Lice attracted to high moisture conditions. These conditions were eliminated and the problem was eliminated too.