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Ask the Orkin Man

There are very small white colored bugs in my bedroom. I am wondering if you know what they are and how to get rid of them?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Question: I have recently discovered that there are very small white colored bugs
in my bedroom. They are as small as a dot. I am wondering if you know what
they are and how to get rid of them in a safe way without disrupting
furniture, electronic equipment.

 

ANSWER  Probably what you have are psocids (soo - cids) or booklice (an unfortunate name, since they are neither lice nor always associated with books). 
 
These very small, pale yellow to brown insects live in humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, but they can occur in other locations in the house (especially in humid weather).  Most of the time they are wingless, but sometimes you can encounter winged forms.  They feed on microscopic mold and fungi, and some are associated with stored food materials which may also have some mold.  

The best control in the kitchen and kitchen cabinets is to remove everything from the cabinets and vacuum them very well. While the cabinets are empty, look for a source of moisture. After the moisture has been solved, replace the items in the cabinets. 

In the bathroom there may be a leaking pipe, or there simply may not be enough ventilation.  Empty the cabinets and vacuum. Then find the source of the moisture. After the moisture is corrected, replace the items in the cabinets.

For psocids in other parts of  the house, or if you find them on pieces of furniture, the best control is to eliminate the moisture. This may mean using a dehumidifier  or may involve taking items outside to dry in the sun. Solving the moisture problem almost always solves the psocid problem.

Tags: booklice,   lice 

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