Knowledgebase

Bed bugs or book lice #817217

Asked December 04, 2022, 7:01 PM EST

Hi, I just moved overseas in July (Budapest). I’m always checking for bedbugs and found two of these in my bedroom. I think they look like book lice but I’m surprised to find them in a bedroom. Thoughts? 

Bucks County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

To prevent or control a psocid problem, you can:

  1. Reduce their food supply by cleaning with enzymes and/or borax, then keeping the areas clean and free of molds and mildew.
  2. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner in the infested or potentially infestation areas to reduce moisture to below 50 percent. Using fans can also help to increase the air flow.
  3. Dispose of all moldy articles.
  4. Reducing the temperature to below freezing for one hour can also kill off the psocids, but this would be impractical for a home, though it could be viable for infested items … particularly for those who live in the Northern climates where an article could be placed outdoors when the temperatures drop below freezing.
  5. Silica aerogel, diatomaceous earth or boric acid can be dusted in non-food area cracks and crevices, crawl spaces and other areas away from children and pets, to help dry out the area.
  6. Commercial products that help to control mold and fungi will also help keep the areas clean and maintain control of mold-feeding pests.

If this does not work, then engage the services of a professional pest control contractor.


Thanks, G.

Dr. Gregory Martin, Extension Educator - Poultry Replied December 13, 2022, 6:41 PM EST

Loading ...