Psocids

Psocids look like bed bugs but the head is much larger compared to the body. Psocids are very tiny (.04 - .08 inch). They are pale grey to yellowish white and superficially resemble termite workers. They are also commonly called Cereal psocids, booklice, mold-lice and dustlice.

There are about 50 species in the order Psocoptera from stored foods and indoor human habitations. Some species have membranous wings held either rooflike or flat over the body when at rest. Psocids depend on high humidities for reproduction.

Psocids can be serious pests of stored foods. In homes, psocids are generally considered nuisance pests that are more troublesome due to their presence than because of any feeding damage.

They are commonly found indoors in areas of excessive moisture. They occur in books, rugs, foods, and other items, especially if they are damp. Psocids sometimes are pests in newly constructed buildings (less than 1 year old) where they may feed on mildew growing on surfaces of damp plaster, sheetrock or wood.

Psocids feed on microscopic molds and a variety of items of both animal and vegetable origin –including entomological and zoological specimens, hebarium speciments, dried fruits, ground feed, four, grains and cereals.

The presence of psocids in food-processing plants, other manufacturing plants, and museums is often unacceptable due to contamination of food or packaging materials, or staining of paper products from their crushed bodies.

Moisture Management and the reduction of associated microscopic molds are critical for the control of psocids. Reducing humidity to levels less than 58% RH is an effective control. Removing bark, leaf, and grass litter from around structures can eliminate potential sources of invasion. Chemicals are rarely effective in eliminating this pest.