Booklouse Control
48 hours response across London — from £129
Tiny insects that feed on mold and fungi in damp conditions, often found in books and papers.
How to identify booklice
- Size
- 1–2mm
- Colour
- Translucent white to pale grey-brown
- Active
- Year-round in heated buildings
- Soft-bodied and wingless, with a bulbous abdomen
- Move in quick, erratic bursts
- Found on damp windowsills, in books and on new plaster
- Numbers rise sharply in humid conditions
Commonly confused with: Frequently mistaken for young bed bugs. Booklice are translucent and far smaller; bed bug nymphs are amber and flatter.
The booklouse lifecycle
Egg
2–4 weeksLaid in humid crevices
Nymph
2–3 weeksFour moults before adulthood
Adult
3–6 monthsFeeds on microscopic mould
Population peak
SummerHumidity above 60% drives numbers
Signs of booklice in your property
Health risks and property damage
Health risks
- No direct health risks
- Indicator of moisture problems
- Potential mold exposure
Property damage
- Book and paper damage
- Wallpaper damage
- Mold growth indication
- Storage material contamination
What to do before we arrive
Do this
- Reduce humidity below 50% with ventilation or a dehumidifier
- Dry out new plaster fully before redecorating
- Move books and papers away from damp external walls
- Wipe down affected surfaces to remove the mould they feed on
Avoid this
- Do not treat with insecticide alone; without drying, they return
- Do not store cardboard in damp cupboards
- Do not panic — they are a humidity indicator, not a health risk
- Do not seal damp rooms; that makes it worse
How we treat booklice
Moisture control and targeted insecticide treatment
Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan. Our success rate on booklice is 93%, and we attend within 48 hours of your call.
Keeping booklice out for good
Where we find them
Booklice facts
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat booklice in London?
We aim to attend within 48 hours of your call anywhere in London, with a 24/7 line for urgent cases.
How much does booklouse treatment cost?
Booklice treatment starts from £129. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.
How do I know if I have booklice?
The most reliable signs are: Tiny crawling insects; Damage to books/papers; Presence in damp areas; Mold growth nearby. If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — booklice rarely resolve on their own.
How do you treat booklice?
Moisture control and targeted insecticide treatment Our success rate on booklice is 93%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Are booklice dangerous?
Booklice are rated low risk. The main health concerns are no direct health risks, indicator of moisture problems, potential mold exposure. They can also cause book and paper damage.
How can I stop booklice coming back?
Control humidity levels; Improve ventilation; Remove moldy materials. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.