Psocids

Psocids are common but harmless household pests, smaller than a pinhead, that can live in dry powdery type foods. They do not like the light but prefer to live in dark, warm, humid places such as the folds of packaging in food cupboards. They can live for about six months and in that time a female will lay up to 200 eggs. They feed on microscopic moulds and mildews which flourish in warm, humid places such as a domestic kitchen. They are not caused by poor hygiene; they are just as common in the cleanest of homes. Research has shown that the sorts of psocids (there are many different types) found in homes are rarely found where food is produced, so they are unlikely to be brought into the home in foods. They can be found in old books, carpets and other furnishings in the home, (Booklice and Dustlice are alternative names).

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However, if you consider that you require assistance you may wish to contact one of the Isle of Wight Council Approved Pest Control Contractors.

Click here for a list of the Council’s Approved Pest Control Contractors

If in doubt telephone your local
Environmental Health Department.
Tel: 01983 823000.

Identification:

Some people are finding their cupboards and especially dry foods such as flour, milk powder, sugar or semolina have become infested with tiny grey or brown insects. They naturally, but wrongly assume the products themselves are always at fault.

It is certain they are associated with high humidity. This could be caused by new plaster drying out, or due to condensation from not having enough ventilation in the kitchen. There are many reasons but you can be sure that if you have psocids, you have humid conditions. The kitchen is likely to provide the conditions they need, and fitted cupboards provide the darkness which attracts them. With ideal conditions they can rapidly increase in number.

How are they prevented.

Try to deny them the conditions they need to strive and multiply. Always keep dry foodstuffs, cereals and the like, in a cool dry, well ventilated place. Clean out your cupboards regularly but if you use water always make sure they are completely dry before you put food back. When you are cooking or boiling the kettle or even just using the washing machine or tumble drier, make sure that the kitchen is properly ventilated. If condensation shows on windows, it is being produced on all other surfaces as well, leading to mould growth on which psocids thrive.

How do you get rid of them if they appear.

Remove the infested food immediately and dispose of it outside. Check everything else in the cupboard. Food in cans will be alright but make sure that there are no insects hiding under labels. Treat the affected area with a good household insecticide which is suitable to use near food. Clean out all the dust, crumbs etc. then make sure the cupboards are completely dry before using it again. Foodstuffs in packets can be stored in jars, tins or other airtight containers. Inspect your food cupboards regularly and repeat treatment if necessary. Having done that, find the cause of the humidity and cure it.
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If they are found in other parts of the house, clean the area with a vacuum cleaner. Immediately after use, dispose of the cleaner contents in an outside waste bin.

ALWAYS STORE DRY FOODSTUFFS IN A COOL DRY PLACE.

The purpose of this leaflet is to explain what these insects are, and to tell you how to prevent them. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

For more information regarding this Leaflet please contact:

Environmental Health Service

Jubilee Stores

The Quay

Newport

Isle of Wight

PO30 2EH

Telephone: 01983 823000

Facsimile: 01983 529804

Page last updated on: 30/08/2007