Common insect pests

1-2 mm.

Pale coloured translucent.

Booklice can be found outdoors, under bark, on walls and in crevices. Indoors they prefer areas of high humidity, such as the bathroom or kitchen. The kitchen is the most common place to find them, and fitted cupboards and the folds of food packaging can provide suitable shelter.

They can live for about six months and in that time the female may lay up to 200 eggs.

They feed on microscopic moulds and mildews, which flourish in warm humid places, such as domestic bathrooms and kitchens.

Any infested food items should be destroyed. Clean affected areas with a dry cloth or vacuum. Keep storage areas well ventilated and store vulnerable foodstuffs like flour, rice, cereal and pasta in tightly sealed containers. Treatment of cupboard joints with a suitable residual insecticide may be required to completely get rid of the problem.