What are booklice?
Booklice are a widespread pest found in over 150 different species globally. Although commonly referred to as lice, they are not true lice. These tiny pests thrive in the humid and warm conditions common in newly constructed homes. If they make their way into your kitchen, booklice can contaminate any food that is left exposed, putting your family’s health at risk.
In Singapore, booklice can be found in homes and office buildings. If not controlled, they have the potential to multiply rapidly and result in infestation, contaminating stored food and household items. These pests are distinguishable as tiny black dots on walls and can form larger black patches if numerous.
Booklice require high moisture levels to survive and will not persist in low-moisture environments. They rely on mold as their main food source and feed on the starch in book bindings. The time required for booklice to hatch and reach maturity can range from one to three months, depending on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding area.
How to identify booklice?
To identify booklice in Singapore, one should look for small insects no bigger than 6 millimeters in length with soft bodies and two pairs of membranous wings. However, in some species, wings may be absent. Booklice have poorly developed eyes and long, thread-like antennae. They move in a jerky, halting manner along exposed surfaces, sometimes appearing to hop.
Booklice vs. Bedbugs
It’s common for people to mistake booklice for bedbugs, so here’s a comparison of the two insects to help distinguish between them.
While both insects are small and can be found in homes, booklice can be differentiated by their large heads relative to the size of their bodies and their presence in books and stored products. In contrast, bedbugs are found on beds and furniture such as sofas and have rounder, oval-shaped bodies.
Another way to tell the difference between the two is the presence of bites and stains. If you have a bedbug infestation, you’ll likely experience bites and noticeable stains on your bed. This is not the case with booklice.
What do booklice feed on?
These pests feed on mold, fungi, dead insect fragments, pollen, and other starchy foods in humid environments like homes, warehouses, and libraries. Damp basements, crawl spaces, leaky plumbing, potted plants, cereal, flour, bird nests, furniture with natural plant fiber stuffings, paste on book bindings, grains, wallpaper, etc., may provide suitable habitats for booklice.
Contrary to their name, booklice do not consume book material but rather feed on any microscopic fragments of mold present in books. This is why booklice and mold are often found in the same location.
Damage caused by booklice
While booklice, also known as psocids, may not cause as much destruction as other pests, they can still be a headache. These insects feed on the glue in books, causing pages to come loose and potentially fall out over time. Additionally, they can sometimes be found in food like cereal and grains, making them unappetizing and unpleasant to consume.
How do I get rid of booklice?
Fortunately, unlike head lice and fleas, booklice are not parasites and do not pose a direct threat to human health. However, they can be harmful due to their feeding habits. Although they consume food slowly, they have the potential to damage crops and books and weaken the structure of plaster and wallpaper.
There are various solutions to address booklice infestations, but if the problem becomes too extensive, it is recommended to seek professional assistance for an inspection and effective treatment.
Thorough inspection
Getting rid of booklice infestations in your home requires a comprehensive approach. The first step is to thoroughly inspect your entire living space. To do this, you should have a magnifying glass handy, as these pests are small and difficult to spot. During the inspection, be sure to pay close attention to areas with high moisture content and dampness, such as leaky pipes, the kitchen, and the bathroom. Additionally, inspect your basement, as this area may be prone to moisture buildup, leading to booklice infestations.
In the kitchen, empty all cabinets and check under the sink for any signs of moisture. In the bathroom, inspect the areas around your bathtub, pipes, plumbing, and wall tiles. If the walls are not grouted, mildew may develop between the tiles, providing a suitable environment for booklice to thrive. Make sure your gutter is functioning properly to prevent moisture buildup.
Eliminate Infested Items
To help control the booklice population, removing any items that may be infested with these pests is important. This includes books, food, and any other items that could potentially harbor booklice. Disposing these items will help prevent the pests from multiplying and causing further inconvenience.
Lower Humidity Levels
Booklice are attracted to moist and humid environments. Consider installing a dehumidifier to make your home less desirable to these pests. This will help reduce the moisture and mold levels in your home, making it a less hospitable environment for booklice.
Eliminate Mold
Booklice feed on mold and mildew, so it is important to eliminate these sources of food from your home. Use an effective mold-killing chemical to eliminate any mold-infested areas in your home. Not only will this help control booklice populations, but it is also beneficial for your overall health and well-being to maintain a mold-free environment.
Implement a Thorough Cleaning and Vacuuming Routine
Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help eliminate booklice and their eggs in infested areas. Pay extra attention to the kitchen, which is typically more humid and susceptible to booklice infestations. Make sure to ventilate the area while cleaning and keep it well-maintained.
Seek Professional Help
Getting rid of booklice on your own can be challenging, as some of these pests may be hiding deep inside your walls. If the conditions attracting booklice to your home persist, they could re-infest. In these cases, the best solution is to seek assistance from a professional booklice pest control service in Singapore.
A professional pest exterminator has the necessary tools and techniques to inspect and eliminate the infestation thoroughly. They will make sure to reach all the hidden booklice within the walls and crevices to ensure that your home remains free of these pests with no risk of future re-infestations.
Solve Your Pest Issues Once And For All With Eminent Pest Control Today
Eminent Pest Control specializes in providing quality and affordable pest control services in Singapore. Our technicians are certified and equipped to help you get rid of pests, and a follow-up inspection is recommended 4-6 months later to ensure the infestation has been completely eliminated.
Our Booklice Treatment Method
- Superheated Steam Method:
As booklice cannot endure temperatures over 40°C, our superheated steam treatment is a highly effective and safe way to eliminate them. Our experts use superheated steam to destroy booklice and their eggs in all affected areas.
- Residual Spray Treatment:
Our residual spray contains a pesticide that disrupts the booklice’s nervous system, resulting in their death. This efficient knockdown treatment leaves a residue on surfaces that continues to be effective for up to a month, ensuring that any remaining booklice are eradicated.
Contact us today to request a free quote or find out more.
