Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

Fabric Pests: Booklice (Psocids) | Carpet Beetle | Silverfish, Bristletail

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Booklice (Psocids)	Various scientific names	Insecta	Psocoptera	Various

	Size:
	Adults are about 1/32-1/4 in (1-6 mm) long.
	Characteristics:
	Wingless but active crawlers. Soft bodies that look like tiny termite workers; heads are round, with chewing mouthparts; antennae are long and threadlike; prothorax is small, looking like a neck; 4 wings, if present, are cellophane-like and held up like a roof over the body when at rest; front wing is larger than hind wing, and has few veins. The young look like adults except they do not have wings. Called Booklice because of being asociate with damp books or manuscripts.
	Color:
	Very light tan, brown, or creamy yellow with brown bands. Color may vary with species.
	Where Found:
	287 species found all over the world and in the U.S. Observed in damp and secluded places in grass, dead leaves and litter under trees and shrubs, damp wood, under lichens, moss, or bark, where they feed on molds and mildews. Commonly seen along coping joints around swimming pools.
	Comparison:
	Called Booklice or Bark lice because to the casual observer they look like some lice species. Chewing lice have short, 3 to 5 segmented antennae, and are external parasites of birds and mammals. Sucking lice also have short, 3- to 5-segmented antennae, and are parasites of mammals. Dampwood Termite and Drywood Termite nymphs and workers have short, bead-like antennae.
	Habitat:
	Found indoors in moldy books and papers, often in the starch sizing and glue in books, in damp places, sweating pipes, new plaster and sheet rock, damp spillage, and wooden pallets. Outdoors: under loose, damp bark. Some species found in grain and other agricultural products. Breed in wall voids, storage trunks, groceries, stored flour, rugs, paper, cartons, rope fibers, closets, cabinets and pianos. Also occur in museums and libraries.
	Food:
	Mold and mildew are primary food of most species.
	Biology:
	Most require a minimum relative humidity of 50-60%, due to loss of body moisture through their exoskeletons. High humidity is also necessary for the growth of mold on which they feed. When humidity drops too low they may migrate in large numbers. Adults usually die in winter, although the eggs and young insects can survive cold temperatures. When warm weather comes, they can mature within 3-4 weeks. Some species do not require males for reproduction in part or all of their geographic range. Typically, outdoor species have wings, while indoor species have wings that are reduced or absent. Eggs are laid either bare or encrusted, with or without webbing. They mature in 4-6 nymphal instars (stages).
	Damage:
	Nuisance pests in homes and some times in commercial buildings. Do considerable damage in museum collections, libraries, stored products and food processing plants. The presence of Booklice bodies in house dust are believed to contribute to asthma attacks.
	Invasion:
	Dampness and mold growth supports breeding. Invade by means of stored goods, groceries, cartons, paper, construction materials.
	Control:
	Psocids require high amounts of moisture to survive. Drying out the areas of concern will, in some cases, control this insect without applications of pesticides. In cases where there are large numbers of these insects present, an application can be made. Preparation in food areas will be required. To further control these insects, keep humidity below 50% as they will have trouble surviving dry conditions. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.