Using insecticides is a great way to get rid of booklice. But avoid spraying them near uncovered food. And keep such chemical products away from the reach of children and animals.

Look for the places of booklice infestation. Look for books, photographs, a dark basement or storeroom, household stuff, food stored in pantries or cupboards, damp corners or crevices, moist areas created by leaking pipes, roof leaks or air conditioning systems. ◆ Discard likely sources of infested food. Empty the cupboard or pantry and inspect every item. Also, check for the labels and look in areas around the lids of jars and tins as booklice may thrive there. ◆ Next, wipe the food spills. Thoroughly clean the contaminated food area with an antibacterial cleaner. If you choose to wash down the place, then make sure it is thoroughly dried. ◆ Now apply an insecticide and spray the infested place. Any cracks and corners should not be left out. Let the spray dry completely and do not place any food in it for a few days. The infested room or place can be heated to a higher temperature. This will kill the booklice, as they cannot survive high heat. Ensure that the room is well-ventilated so that moisture is pulled out of the room. A dehumidifier can be used for lowering the humidity levels below 50% so as to hinder the growth of booklice. The windows and doors should be left open as long as possible. Periodic airing and drying of things will prevent mold development on which these insects feed. Clean or treat mold, and dry the area thoroughly where booklice are found. Place infested books and other small items in a microwave for 40 seconds (high heat setting) to kill booklice and their eggs. Place infested items in the freezer and allow them to remain there for a few days. This will kill the booklice and their eggs. The lice will die but the eggs may thrive. Spray an insecticide which contains pyrethrin or cyfluthrin, into cracks or crevices, or any moist area where booklice may be found. Vacuuming infested areas is also an effective way. A vacuum cleaner having proper attachments and a narrow vacuum tip can remove the bugs from their dwellings. Try to leave as much open space as possible and allow more light to enter the infested areas. This will suppress the booklice activity. In case of severe infestation, it is recommended to call a professional pest control company as they will have the technical knowledge and access to commercial products and equipment that are unavailable to the public.

◆ Practice proper hygiene like daily dusting and vacuuming to remove debris from cracks and corners of storage areas. ◆ Try to keep the house well-ventilated and dry. Always keep your dry foodstuffs such as cereals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Cleaning out your cupboards regularly, ensuring that they are completely dry before putting your food back will help. ◆ The hiding areas like cracks in the foundation walls or areas around windows or cabinets should be sealed with a waterproof filler and sealants. Prior to this, make sure that you treat fungi or mold, if any. Mend and seal leaking pipework, rain gutters, roof vents, and air conditioning units. ◆ Remove leaf litter, vines, and other debris from the house or the surrounding buildings, to reduce the chances of an outside attack by booklice. ◆ Throw corrugated cardboard boxes and items away, or store them in dry places or in the sun. ◆ Things should be kept away from the walls and ceiling and neatly placed above the floor level by using pallets. Spaces should be provided as much as possible between stacks for proper ventilation. ◆ Check and clean all stored items regularly and clean the place of storage. ◆ Store foodstuffs, especially grain and cereal products in air-tight containers. ◆ A drainage tile system can be installed to prevent rainwater from entering the problem areas. ◆ Avoid storing foods for more than five months. ◆ Use the older items first, as booklice tend to grow as the items age. ◆ Before disposal, place the infested products inside plastic bags to minimize the spread of booklice.