How Can I Rid My Home of Booklice?
While booklice are technically harmless, that doesn’t mean you want them taking up residence in your home. If you’ve noticed these small, gray-brown bugs skulking about, keep reading for some expert tips on how to get rid of them.
What Are Booklice?
Despite what their name implies, booklice aren’t actually lice—and they can’t read! They’re named as such because they resemble lice in their appearance and because they tend to hide among old books, papers stored in moist conditions, wallpaper, etc.
As we mentioned before, booklice are harmless. They feed on fungi and mold, not people! If you live in a humid area of the United States (like Alabama!) odds are you’ll see these little pests at some point.
Tips for Getting Rid of Booklice
Booklice typically can’t survive without humidity. But here in the South, the humidity can last more than just a season. Having booklice can also be a sign that your house has mold, even if you can’t see it.
These tips will help you rid your home of booklice and reduce the risk of mold in your home:
#1: Dehumidify
The first step in getting rid of booklice is to get rid of the conditions they like. Consider investing in a dehumidifier to help keep the interior of your home nice and dry!
Alternatively, you could run your air conditioning unit a little more often than usual, or get some fans to blow cool air around the infested area.
#2: Get Rid of Moldy Items
If there’s anything in your home that you know has mold in or on it, it’s time to get rid of it. These things are extremely attractive to booklice. Most of these kinds of items will probably be found in bathrooms, basements, attics, or even the kitchen.
However, if you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to check wallpaper, older books, or stacks of paper you have stored.
#3: Use Talcum Powder—Carefully
Talcum powder is a great way to dry out particular areas, but you don’t want to use it around food areas. Focus on cracks and crevices around your home where booklice might hide. It’s also great for crawl spaces since you and your family won’t be around it! Be extra careful if you have pets or kids, and don’t let them too close to the powder.
#4: Clean Thoroughly
Most pests don’t like a clean home, so making sure you clean things regularly and thoroughly is one of the best defenses against an infestation. When it comes to booklice in particular, try cleaning with enzymes or borax to really get rid of any mold or mildew.
Trust the Professionals
There are a lot of things you can try at home to get rid of booklice, but the quickest and most effective strategy is to call a professional pest control service! If you’ve noticed signs of an infestation, it’s time to take action before it gets worse. Give Vulcan Termite & Pest Control a call today to get started!