How to get rid of booklice

Booklice (psocids) are very common household pests. They are not a result of poor hygiene as they will appear in the most clean of homes.

They can often but not always be found in the binding of books where they will feed off the starch in the bindings or the edges of pages.

They tend to be more common in the spring and summer months.

What do booklice look like?

Booklice (psocids) are cream coloured or light-brown around 1 – 1.5mm long. The common house dwelling booklouse is wingless. They are soft bodied and have long antennae. The lifespan is around 6 months.

Do booklice bite?

They do not bite or sting as they do not feed on blood and are no threat to humans or pets. However, their sheer presence can be enough to cause anguish and distress.

Signs of a booklice infestation

Signs of booklice infestation can be areas of damp and visible mould in affected rooms. Although small you may also see them on a wall or inside of cupboards, behind tumble driers, air conditioning units anywhere they can find humidity.

How to get rid of booklice

Getting rid of booklice by the use of insecticides is difficult as they are often found in kitchens and food preparation areas.

Oa2Ki pesticide free spray can be applied directly onto the booklice and into the cracks and crevices were they hide.

Another natural product Oa2ki powder can also be applied with a Pest Pistol. Again this can be aimed directly onto the booklice but also into any cracks and crevices in walls or cupboards.

This totally natural product made from fossilised diatoms attacks the outer cuticle of the booklouse and absorbs moisture, thereby dehydrating the insect to the point of death.

How to prevent booklice

Booklice prevention is very similar to the cure. To prevent booklice we recommend:

• Try and keep susceptible rooms like the kitchen and bathroom well ventilated and aired by opening windows as often possible.
• Keep all your dry foodstuffs such as cereals in a cool dry well-ventilated place.
• Clean out your cupboards regularly, ensuring they are completely dry before putting your food back will also help.
• Seal any cracks with or joints inside cupboards with decorators caulk or silicone can also help.

Do booklice jump?

Booklice do not jump like fleas, but they can move quite quickly.

What do booklice eat?

Booklice thrive in damp humid conditions which allows the fungal and mould development, which are essential dietary constituents for the booklice.

They feed on microscopic moulds that grow on the glue of book-bindings or on damp cardboard, damp food (especially cereals) or on the surfaces close to damp plaster inside buildings, which is very common with brand new houses.

Recommended products

We sell a range of booklice killer products including booklice killer sprays, booklice killer powders and booklice traps. Below are some of our handpicked recommendations.

Product 1: Residex P Powder

Product 2: Agrothrin Natural Insecticide Powder

Product 3: Protector Natural Insecticide Aerosol

Product 4: Oa2ki Pesticide Free Insect Spray

Product 5: Insect Glue Pads