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 →Because they live on mould, a booklice problem usually means too much moisture somewhere in the building. We look for that as part of every job, so you are not left repeating the same problem again next season. It is a simple habit.
Older centre, newer estates
Ottery St Mary is an East Devon market town on the River Otter, with an older centre, newer estates and farmland close by. Each of those can cause booklice for different reasons. Older buildings can have damp walls and little ventilation, while newer homes may still be drying out, and airtight rooms can hold humidity for a long time after the builders have gone.
Homes near the river and farmland can feel damp at certain times of year, and spare rooms, garages and lofts used for storage are easily forgotten. A cardboard box of papers that sits untouched for a season can grow mould, and that is enough to feed a surprising number of booklice. Nobody has to be untidy for this to happen. It is rarely down to anything you did.
Treatment and what you can do yourself
On a visit we inspect the rooms where you have seen the insects, plus the surrounding walls, cupboards and storage. We check stored food, books and paper, and look for condensation, leaks or blocked vents. If we find booklice, we apply a targeted treatment where they are living and explain what to throw away and what can be cleaned and kept. Nothing is wasted.
You can help by wiping mould with a suitable cleaner, drying clothes outside the room where possible, running an extractor fan and using a dehumidifier in a problem space. For Ottery St Mary householders who prefer to try these steps first, we are glad to give guidance over the phone before any visit is booked, and to follow up later. Ask if you would like it.
Businesses and shared buildings
Booklice also turn up in shops, offices, storerooms and archives where paper and boxes are kept. A damp stockroom can be affected as easily as a house. We work discreetly and can advise on storage, shelving and airflow. Alongside Ottery St Mary, we cover Sidford, Whimple and nearby villages, whatever type of property you have or manage. We keep things discreet.
Frequently asked questions
Do booklice in Ottery St Mary homes bite or harm people?
No. Booklice do not bite and are not related to head lice or other lice on people. They are a nuisance because they appear in numbers and signal damp, but they are not considered harmful to health or to your family.
Why do booklice appear in a recently built house?
New plaster, paint and building materials release moisture while they dry, and sealed rooms can stay humid. Mould can then grow on paper and wallpaper paste, which booklice feed on. Ventilation and time usually help a great deal.
Is it worth treating if the damp is not fixed?
Treatment will reduce the insects, but they are likely to return if the damp remains. That is why we look at the cause too. Fixing ventilation or moisture is the part that gives longer lasting results for your home.