1humouress
I don’t know if they’re book mites but recently when I opened one of my books there was an insect about the size of a printed comma walking across the page.
Are they harmful? Should I take steps to get rid of them? What’s the best way?
Are they harmful? Should I take steps to get rid of them? What’s the best way?
2varielle
I once had those creatures too and never did know what they were. I’ll be interested in your answers.
3terebinth
This article seems sensible:
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-psocids-2656435
I've not seen these beasties or (as far as I know) what they can do, but keeping relative humidity down to something like 45-50% helps keep various insects etc. down as well as keeping mould at bay and helping to prevent foxing. Here in the UK the only (old) insect damage I've seen in books is the work of the common furniture beetle or some close relative, leaving its characteristic "woodworm" flight holes. We've had a little trouble with those, but they've left the books alone - they probably prefer a nice meal of wood when they can get it, and we've always had plenty of that around.
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-psocids-2656435
I've not seen these beasties or (as far as I know) what they can do, but keeping relative humidity down to something like 45-50% helps keep various insects etc. down as well as keeping mould at bay and helping to prevent foxing. Here in the UK the only (old) insect damage I've seen in books is the work of the common furniture beetle or some close relative, leaving its characteristic "woodworm" flight holes. We've had a little trouble with those, but they've left the books alone - they probably prefer a nice meal of wood when they can get it, and we've always had plenty of that around.
4humouress
>3 terebinth: Thanks. It looks like they eat mould rather than books.
But keeping humidity down - ha! I live in Singapore where the humidity feels like 110% most of the time. I do have dehumidifiers in my book cupboards though.
But keeping humidity down - ha! I live in Singapore where the humidity feels like 110% most of the time. I do have dehumidifiers in my book cupboards though.
