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 →They are not related to lice on people, and they do not bite or spread disease. They are a nuisance, but they are also a clear sign that something in the building is too damp. Solving that cause is the key to keeping them away.
What booklice are and where they appear
Booklice are only a millimetre or two long, soft bodied and pale grey or cream, and they move in short bursts. They feed on microscopic mould and fungi, which grow on paper, cardboard, books, stored food and wallpaper paste whenever there is enough moisture. You may see them on kitchen shelves, in dry food cupboards, in wardrobes or on windowsills. In cooler months they may be less obvious, but the cause often remains.
They are common in new builds where plaster is still drying, and in older properties with poor ventilation or damp walls. Devon's mild, wet climate and coastal air can make some buildings more prone to humidity, especially holiday homes left empty for periods and rooms that are rarely heated. If you spot them in more than one room, tell us so we can check each area.
How we deal with booklice
Our technician starts by confirming that they are booklice and not another small insect, as the right approach depends on the pest. We then look for the damp, mould and stored items that feed them. We explain what we have found and agree the price before any work begins. Where food is affected, we explain which items should be discarded.
Where treatment is needed, it is targeted at the places they gather, such as shelves, cupboards, skirting and window frames. Treatment on its own will not hold if the moisture remains, so we also give practical advice on drying out the affected area. We can tell you when a follow-up visit would help and what to look for in the meantime. We aim to leave you with a clear plan, not just a visit.
Reducing humidity and preventing a return
The most effective step is to reduce moisture. Open windows when cooking and bathing, run extractor fans, and use a dehumidifier in damp rooms. Keep furniture slightly away from external walls so air can move, and heat rooms gently through colder months rather than leaving them cold and closed up. A small hygrometer is a cheap way to see whether the air in a room stays damp.
Clean visible mould from surfaces, and throw away infested stored food, old cardboard and damp paper. Keep dry goods in sealed containers. If a leak or rising damp is behind the problem, it needs fixing by a suitable tradesperson. Holiday let owners can help by airing properties between stays and checking cupboards and bookshelves regularly. Keeping a regular routine is the simplest way to stop them returning.
Frequently asked questions
Are booklice harmful to people?
No. Booklice do not bite, carry disease or live on people, and they are not the same as head lice. They can spoil stored food and damage old paper or books, and they show that humidity is too high. The aim is to remove the damp that supports them. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
Why do I have booklice in a new home?
New builds hold a lot of moisture while plaster and paint dry, which encourages the mould that booklice feed on. They often fade as the building dries out, but ventilation and a dehumidifier help speed things up. If they persist, we can inspect and treat. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
Will cleaning get rid of them?
Cleaning helps, especially removing mould and throwing away infested food or paper. On its own it may not clear the problem if the room stays damp. A combination of drying the space, cleaning and targeted treatment gives a strong chance of lasting results. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.
Do you treat empty or holiday properties?
Yes. Empty and seasonal properties in Devon are prone to humidity, which booklice enjoy. We can inspect, treat and advise on airing and heating routines between lets. The price is agreed with you before any work starts. We are happy to explain more when you get in touch.