Booklice Infestation: Why They Appear & How to Get Rid of Them

Booklice (also called psocids) are tiny insects that thrive in humid, damp environments. Though they don’t bite or spread diseases, they can become a nuisance, especially in places with high moisture and poor ventilation — such as kitchens, storerooms, bedrooms, and packaging areas.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• What booklice are and where they come from

• Why they appear in your property

• Signs of a booklice infestation

• How they affect homes and businesses

• Effective treatment options

• Tips to prevent recurrence
  
   

What Are Booklice?

Booklice are tiny, pale-colored insects (usually 1–2 mm long) that feed on mold, mildew, and microscopic fungi. Despite their name, they are not true lice and they don’t live only in books.

They often appear in:

• Wooden furniture or drawers

• Paper, books, and documents

• Cardboard food packaging

• Kitchen cabinets and food storage

• Wall cracks and damp corners

• Under wallpaper or tiles

They multiply quickly in warm and humid environments, which makes them especially common in Malaysian homes and buildings.

 

What Causes Booklice Infestation?

Booklice are not attracted to dirt they are attracted to moisture.

Main causes include:

• High indoor humidity (above 60%)

• Water leaks in ceilings, pipes, or walls

• Poor ventilation (especially in storerooms, kitchens, bedrooms)

• Mold growth in hidden corners

• Damp food packaging or cardboard

• Recently renovated units with leftover moisture in the structure

They often appear in newly renovated houses, empty homes, or rooms that are closed for long periods.

 

Signs of a Booklice Infestation

You might spot them on walls, ceilings, or near windows and lights. Most people notice them crawling near stored items or food packaging.

 

Professional Booklice Treatment by PestSol

While booklice are not dangerous, they’re hard to eliminate without addressing the root cause moisture.

Our treatment includes:

1. Inspection – Identify moisture sources, breeding spots, and ventilation issues

2. Targeted Misting – Use of professional-grade water-based misting treatment

3. Crack & Surface Spray – Spot treatment in wooden cabinets and cracks

4. Humidity Control Advice – Recommendations for dehumidifiers or repairs

5. Follow-up Visit (if needed) – For severe or recurring cases

 Safe for use in homes and F&B businesses
 Effective even in sensitive areas like bedrooms or kitchens
 Quick drying and low odour solutions

 

 Affects More Than Just Homes

Booklice are commonly found in:

• Restaurants & cafés – Especially inside food storage cabinets

• Hostels & dorms – Closed rooms, moist bathrooms, poor airflow

• Libraries & offices – Paper-heavy environments with AC + poor air circulation

• Retail shops – Stored boxes and product packaging

• New homes / renovations – Trapped moisture in wood or cement

If you’re in the F&B industry, booklice can affect hygiene ratings and customer perception — even if they’re harmless.

 

Booklice Prevention Tips

To reduce the chances of a future infestation:

• Use a dehumidifier in closed or humid rooms

• Improve air ventilation and let sunlight in

• Fix leaks and water damage immediately

• Avoid storing food in cardboard boxes

• Remove moldy or damp paper/books

• Use silica gel or moisture absorbers in wardrobes or drawers