Having a booklice infestation in your home can be a great nuisance. Although they are harmless to our health, others can cause damage by eating through paper, books, bookcases, newspapers, and wallpaper. If you’re wondering how to get rid of booklice in your home, we have compiled a list of ways to eliminate them.
Here are the 3 Best Ways to Get Rid of Booklice
Dispose Infested Items
The first step you should take upon discovering a booklice infestation is to get rid of any infested items. Starting from books, boxes, and paper items to food materials in your pantry, all of these should be checked for damages, and the infected items should be disposed of immediately. By doing so, you are preventing booklice from returning to their previous feasting grounds. Make sure that you vacuum the area thoroughly for any remaining booklice in the area.
If you have an infested item that you don’t want to throw away, you can seal it in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for one to two days, then vacuum the item to get rid of dead booklice and their eggs.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Booklice are fond of molds, they feed on them, and removing their primary food source is a great way to get rid of them. Inspect your house for molds they are typically found in areas where there’s moisture, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Scrub the affected area using borax or any enzyme-based substances when cleaning to eliminate mold and mildew. Use rubber gloves to protect your skin when doing this. Make sure the air flows freely in your home since this will improve air circulation, reduce moisture and keep mold from returning.
Improve Ventilation and Use a dehumidifier
Booklice are attracted to moisture, they dry out and die if they don’t stay in a moist environment. That’s why ventilating the area is crucial to get rid of booklice. Simply opening up some windows and doors to improve air circulation and dry out the dampness is necessary to eliminate them in your home. If the weather does not permit having an open window, try investing in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is a great tool to help reduce the humidity in the environment. Set them up in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to help remove excessive moisture.