What Are They?
Booklice are grey to yellowish brown in colour and very small, only about 1mm long.
Where Do They Live?
Normally in birds nests, under the bark of trees or on leaves. They may however move indoors where they like moist, warm, dark conditions and are attracted to dried foods. They may sometimes be found in the folds of food packets or in cracks and crevices in cupboards.
What Do They Eat?
Moulds and mildews.
How Do I Get Rid Of Them
If you find booklice, any infested food should be thrown away; food in cans and bottles will be unaffected but check under labels etc.
Clean out the cupboards, allow to dry and then treat with an insecticide. These may be bought from garden centres and chemists. Choose one which says on the label it is suitable for crawling insects including booklice and is suitable for use near food. Follow the instructions on the container carefully.
Booklice are associated with moist conditions so it is important to find out the cause of the moisture (this may well be condensation) and cure it.
Remember pesticides can be poisonous to children and pets. After use store container and contents away from children or dispose of empty containers safely.
