General
The adults are small, 1mm-2mm long, soft bodied, rather primitive insects, which tend to have pale coloured translucent bodies, long antennae and move rather rapidly. Some species are winged. These insects are very susceptible to desiccation as they lack the typical heavily-chitinised waxy outer layer of most insects. They are found in conditions of high relative humidity which favour the development of fungi which form an important part of the diet.

Significance
Booklice may be found outdoors, under bark, on walls and in crevices. Within buildings their presence indicates rather damp local conditions and may be found in association with foodstuffs, soft furnishings, bird nesting material, books and wallpaper. Newly built houses where the plaster may still be drying out are particularly prone to infestation by book lice and plaster beetles. Damage may be minor but the fact that they proliferate in damp conditions may mean that commodities and materials have deteriorated significantly.
Control
Infested commodities should be destroyed as the presence of these insects indicates fungal spoilage. Treatment consists of airing and drying the affected premise to reduce humidity and then the use of a residual insecticide.  An insecticide based on a synthetic pyrethroid would be suitable for the control of these pests.

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