Booklice
What to do if you suspect an infestation?
Learn how to identify, combat, and keep booklice out of your home through targeted measures such as moisture control and the Thermo-bug® method.
What are Booklice?
Booklice (Psocoptera) are tiny insects that frequently occur in damp homes. Measuring about 1–2 mm, they are often difficult to spot. Despite their name, they are unrelated to true lice and are harmless to humans.
Their mouthparts are an intermediate form between chewing-biting and sucking, enabling them to feed on molds, lichens, and algae. Although booklice do not cause direct damage, they are considered indicators of high humidity and potential indoor mold growth. Their presence should therefore be regarded as a warning sign for moisture problems.
How do Booklice spread?
Booklice prefer damp environments and can multiply rapidly under certain conditions:
High Humidity
Optimal is 70–90% relative humidity.
Warm Temperatures
Around 25°C promotes their development.
Damp Materials
Freshly plastered walls, damp books, or food provide ideal habitats.
How to identify an infestation?
Identifying booklice is difficult as they are tiny and barely visible.
Visible Insects
1–2 mm in size, brownish or translucent insects on damp surfaces.
Movement
Booklice move quickly and jerkily, and can also jump if necessary.
Droppings
Small, black fecal pellets near food.
Mold Growth
Booklice feed on mold, the presence of which can indicate an infestation.
Damp Spots
Especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Unsure?
Do I have Booklice?
Are you unsure if you have booklice? Upload a photo of your find and receive an expert assessment of the pest type and the extent of the infestation. This will enable you to take targeted and confident action.
Get Pests Identified NowWhere do Booklice hide?
Booklice prefer damp environments:
Bathroom
Especially in corners and on damp walls.
Kitchens
Under sinks or near water sources.
Basements
Damp walls and floors provide ideal conditions.
Bookshelves
Between damp book pages or on book glue.
Leaks
Damp spots on ceilings and walls
What are the effects of Booklice?
Although booklice are not dangerous to humans, they can still cause problems:
Indicator of Moisture
Their presence indicates excessively high humidity.
Stored Product Pests
In certain cases, they can also infest food.
Damage
Booklice can damage food, books, and other materials.
Allergies
Like dust mites, booklice can trigger allergies, which may manifest as skin rashes, sneezing fits, or irritation of the mucous membranes.
How to prevent Booklice?
Preventive measures are crucial to prevent an infestation:
Regular Ventilation
Shock ventilation several times a day reduces humidity.
Use Dehumidifiers
Keep humidity below 60%.
Remove Mold
Consistently eliminate mold sources.
Reduce Houseplants
These increase humidity.
Is a booklice infestation notifiable?
A booklice infestation is not notifiable in Germany. Notification is only required for head lice, specifically in community facilities such as schools and kindergartens. While booklice often indicate moisture problems and can be perceived as a nuisance, they do not pose a direct health risk. However, if booklice have contaminated food and there are health concerns, it is advisable to inform the responsible health authority.
How to combat Booklice?
The control of booklice depends on the extent of the infestation. Mild infestations can often be treated with home remedies, while severe or deeply entrenched infestations require professional methods.
Home remedies
Regular cleaning
Removes potential food sources such as mold.
Vinegar Cleaner
A mixture of water and vinegar can clean affected areas.
Tea Tree Oil
Diluted tea tree oil acts as a deterrent to booklice.
Salt or Rice
These absorb moisture from the air. Humidity below 60% will halt the population’s growth.
Temperature Control
Constant temperatures around 20°C are less conducive to their development.
Professional control
Dehumidifiers
Professional devices effectively lower humidity.
Thermal methods
A chemical-free method that kills all pests through heat.
Professional methods offer a high success rate and are particularly recommended for extensive infestations.
Effectively Combat Booklice with Thermo-bug®
The Thermo-bug® method offers an effective and chemical-free way to combat booklice. By controlled heating of the room temperature up to 70°C, booklice are reliably killed in all developmental stages. This method is particularly suitable for sensitive areas such as libraries, archives, or living spaces where chemical agents are undesirable.
Advantages of the Thermo-bug® method:
Chemical-free
No use of insecticides, thus no residues in the environment.
Deeply Effective
The heat penetrates hard-to-reach areas and also reaches hidden insects.
Fast
The treatment usually lasts only a few hours.
Safe for Humans and Animals
No health risks due to chemical substances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, they are harmless and do not transmit diseases. However, in large numbers, they can trigger allergies and pose a hygiene problem as they can contaminate food.
Common causes include increased humidity and mold growth. Booklice can also be introduced with packaging materials or other items.
Generally, it takes several weeks for an infestation to be completely eliminated, as larvae and eggs are more resilient than adult insects. In contrast, the Thermo-bug® method offers a fast, effective solution that typically eliminates all stages of booklice through heat after just one application.
Act now!
Combat Booklice with Thermo-bug®
If you wish to effectively and environmentally friendly get rid of these unwelcome guests, Thermo-bug® offers the ideal solution. With our innovative method, we reliably eliminate booklice – entirely without the use of chemicals. Together, we will find the best strategy for your situation. With Thermo-bug®, you can trust a proven method: fast, safe, and environmentally friendly.
Use Thermo-bug® NowThermo-bug® can do more than just bed bugs!
Learn how to identify and control various pests: