Advice
What Are Booklice and Why Do They Appear?
Booklice are tiny, pale insects that feed on mould, and their appearance almost always points to a damp or humid problem somewhere in the property.
Read the guide →We carry out booklice control for homes, flats, guest accommodation and small businesses across Exmouth. A visit starts with a look at the affected room and what is stored in it, and we explain what we think is behind the problem and agree the plan with you before we begin.
Seafront flats, guest rooms and damp air
Exmouth has a long seafront and plenty of holiday accommodation, so a lot of rooms sit empty between stays. When a flat or guest room is closed up, the windows are shut and the heating is off, moisture settles on cold walls and into soft furnishings, books and stored linen. Within a few weeks a thin film of mould can form, and that is all booklice need to get started.
Family homes are not immune. Bathrooms with weak extraction, wardrobes against outside walls and boxes stored in garages all suffer in damp coastal weather. Booklice are tiny, pale and soft, and they graze on mould found on paper, card, old books and dry food. They do not bite, they are unrelated to lice on people, and they do not carry disease, but they are unpleasant to find.
What we do for you in Exmouth
We inspect the room where the insects were seen and then work outwards, checking cupboards, window frames, wall corners and the backs of furniture for mould and condensation. If you run a guest house or manage lets, we also look at how the rooms are aired between stays. Our technician then explains the likely cause, what we can treat and what you can do about the damp in your own rooms, flats or guest accommodation.
Treatment is aimed at the areas where the insects live. We suggest throwing away affected dry food and badly mouldy cardboard, wiping down surfaces, moving items away from cold walls and keeping the air moving with ventilation or a dehumidifier. It is worth acting early, because a few insects on a shelf can become many more once conditions suit them, so do not leave it for weeks hoping it will pass.
Marina, seafront and the wider area
We cover all of Exmouth, which falls in the EX8 postcode area, including flats near the marina and houses further back from the water. Cafes, shops and guest houses that keep paper, packaging or dry goods in back rooms are covered as well. We also work in Budleigh Salterton and Topsham, so just ask if you are on the edge of town.
Frequently asked questions
Do booklice mean my Exmouth flat has a damp problem?
It points to humid conditions and a little mould somewhere, not necessarily a serious fault. It could be condensation, poor ventilation or a cold wall. We look at the room, explain the probable cause and suggest simple fixes to bring humidity down.
Can booklice get into my food cupboards?
Yes, they are sometimes found in open packets of flour, cereal and other dry food, particularly if the cupboard is damp. Throw away anything infested, wipe the shelves and keep dry food in sealed containers. We can treat the cupboard if they return.
How often should a guest house air its rooms to avoid booklice?
Open the windows for a short time every day and between guests, and keep some heating on in cold weather. Leave wardrobes slightly open and avoid storing boxes against outside walls. If you spot insects, tell us early and we will check.