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Learn more about the different type of booklice found throughout Malaysia. Call Innovative Pest Management to control and eliminate booklice infestation in your property.
Most Common Booklice Species
Booklice in Malaysia (Kayapaya)
Booklice or in Malay, kaya paya are consider primitive insects, believed to have existed for 295 million years. Psocoptera, as we know it as booklice, is a group of insects that are consider paraphyletic. Infestations are not as common but a large numbers will still cause inconvenience. They are prone to do a lot of damage to infested items, materials and personal items.
These tiny insects are commonly feeding on old books, they will also feed on fungi and the paste used in binding. They can survive in various habitats as long as there are high levels of dampness and moisture. Areas with higher humidity level, can lead booklice on walls to hide in cracks and crevices of property walls. They are great climbers, breed rather rapidly and reach great height if food source is available.
They are closely similar in size with the head lice. Commonly infestation for booklice in the bedroom happens because of the humid environments. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent and control booklice infestations in Malaysia. To permanently rid of booklice problems, it is recommend to seek professional pest control services.
URGENT RESPONSE
The Lifecycle, Dietary & Habitat
Characteristics of Booklice
They forage for food and water in humid areas and reside near their primary food source, mould. In general, they infest on mould and will begin to multiply in large numbers. Infestations may seem to multiply rapidly, because they can be rather difficult to locate unless the damages are visible. Living in a home with clutters, you will probably notice them in around old books or newspapers.
The starch and book binding eventually spark easy mould growth. Locate them in surrounding areas that are damp such as bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, side boards, false ceiling or balcony. These areas attracts booklice to infest, any location with a source of mould and mildew and spread further eventually.
Lifecycle
A booklice life cycle consists of four nymphal stages. They lay their eggs in hidden places or on foliage, with the eggs taking approximately 21 days to hatch. The baby emerge as small, flightless forms similar to adults. An adult can give birth to up to 50 eggs, with the egg development process taking a minimum of 110 days.
They are well hidden close to books or damp areas with ample of food source for survival. During this period, the nymphs molt six times before maturing into adulthood. The adult has a lifespan of rarely six months.
Anatomy
They are approximately 1mm to 2mm in length and have soft bodies with a fairly narrow neck between the head and thorax. The majority of their bodies are compose of their abdomen and colour ranging from transparent, white, grey, to brown. Some species have two pairs of wings, some have none, they are often identify for bedbug nymphs.
Dietary
Booklice feed on starchy materials, specifically on mould and fungi caused by damp conditions. They prefer to be reside close to cereals, damp location in buildings, and aircon systems. They normally feed on microscopic organism mould and specs of mildew that grow on the glue of book bindings. Unlike woodland insects, booklice do not hold great financial value and are consider scavengers.
They do not pose a risk of biting humans. Even without a food source, they can survive for up to two months. They can thrive and live longer if the living conditions provide sufficient humidity.
Contact Professional Help for Booklice Control Services
Signs of Booklice Infestation In Malaysia
Important not to underestimate any type of pest infestation, even if the pests are not harmful to humans. In Malaysia, booklice control services are necessary. If you are facing a booklice problem, they can cause damage to important documents in your property. To prevent further infestation within your property.
Pest infestations is not something to take lightly, even if the pests are not harmful to humans. Important to address booklice infestations in Malaysia. If left unchecked, booklice can cause damage to important documents in your property. To further prevent infestation within your property, it is crucial to seek Innovative Pest Management, booklice pest control services.
Crucial to engage the help from professional booklice pest control services to permanently eradicate the infestation. Look out for the following signs:
Trail
Trails are hard to detect as they are small, hardly visible through the naked eyes. They tend to reside in one place where food source is convenient. Unless they find the need to relocate, you may see their trail.
Presence
If you notice them crawling around your residential home or office. Especially in areas like bookshelves, walls, cabinets, and near open windows, it is likely that you have an infestation. Booklice typically feed on mould found in moist and damp places, as well as warm, humid, and undisturbed areas where mould and fungi thrive. Common areas where you can find them include food storage areas for household items like flour or cereal.
Nest
Booklice eggs have a sticky texture and are often deposit in damp and moist areas. One common place to find them is in kitchen cabinets. They can access food sources, such as flour, and may hide under crumbs or other food residue. Clusters of eggs are another indication of a booklice problem and can only suggest their presence in your property.
The Types of Booklice Commonly Found in Malaysia
Types of Booklice Species
Booklice (Psocoptera)
Often mistaken for true lice or booklice, they are a species of structural importance. They are famous for tapping their abdomen on surfaces, creating an audible clicking sound. They can only survive and feed on moulds and fungi and thrive in high moisture environments. They multiply rapidly, with a female producing approximately 60 eggs during the warm weather.
This makes them commonly found in books or items stored in damp conditions. The life cycle from egg to adult takes less than a month.
Grain Mite (Psocid)
These tiny pests hide in store products, you can find them particularly in dry goods such as grains, maize, rice, and wheat. In rice containers or flour packets, you can spot them at the bottom, feeding on powdery substance. This species commonly inhabits indoor spaces. They are recognise for their incredibly small size and pale colour.
They often choose to hide in clutter of newspapers, dusty book shelves, old unused books and papers, or in cereals
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