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 treat booklice in homes, hotels, guest houses and holiday lets across Torquay, including the TQ1 and TQ2 postcodes. We find where the moisture is coming from, deal with the insects and tell you what to change so rooms stay dry.
Holiday accommodation and damp rooms
Torquay has many seafront hotels, guest houses and holiday lets, and rooms that sit empty between stays can quietly build up moisture. Closed windows, no heating and damp towels or bedding are all it takes. Booklice then feed on mould growing on wallpaper, books, cardboard and the backs of furniture, and a small group soon becomes a large one. Bedside tables, window seats and the backs of wardrobes are common places to look.
For an accommodation owner, a handful of insects on show can be a real worry. It is worth acting early. The insects do not bite and are not a sign of poor cleaning, but guests may not see it that way, so a quick inspection and a clear plan matter a great deal. We keep our visit discreet so that guests and neighbours are not alarmed.
Steep streets and older converted properties
Many Torquay buildings are older properties that have been converted into flats or rooms, often on steep streets where walls take the weather and dry out slowly all year. Basement and ground floor rooms, and any cupboards against external walls, tend to hold the most moisture and are where we often find booklice first, sometimes behind furniture that has not been moved for a long time.
On a visit we look at ventilation, condensation on windows, stored boxes, books and food, and any signs of mould in the corners of rooms. In Torquay we also ask how rooms are used through the year, because seasonal use is often the reason the damp builds up, and it shapes the advice we give you, from airing routines to where stored items should live.
Getting rid of them and keeping them away
Once we have confirmed the insects are booklice we agree a plan with you. It usually covers better airflow, a dehumidifier where it helps, cleaning mould, removing infested stored food and damp paper, and a targeted treatment in the affected rooms. We also cover Paignton and Cockington, as well as Torquay itself. We will be honest if the damp needs repair work before treatment can hold.
Frequently asked questions
Can booklice put off guests at my Torquay holiday let?
They can if guests notice them, even though booklice are harmless to health and do not bite. Dealing with the damp and treating the rooms promptly is the sensible way to protect your guests and your reputation. We can suggest a plan that fits around your changeover days.
How do I stop booklice coming back between lets?
Keep rooms ventilated, avoid leaving damp towels or washing inside, run a dehumidifier if rooms are shut up for long periods, and check cupboards and stored boxes now and then, especially after a long wet spell. Lower humidity is what keeps booklice from settling again.
Do I need to throw away my books?
Usually not. Lightly affected books can be dried out and wiped, while badly mouldy ones are better thrown away. Move the books to a drier room if you can, and treat the shelf area as well so the insects do not simply return afterwards. A quick check of nearby cupboards is worthwhile too.