Bed bugs or book lice - Ask Extension
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...
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:
- Reduce their food supply by cleaning with enzymes and/or borax, then keeping the areas clean and free of molds and mildew.
- 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.
- Dispose of all moldy articles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.