How to remove a book louse? - briefly
Isolate affected books, place them in a sealed bag and freeze at –20 °C for at least 48 hours or heat in a dryer at 55 °C for 30 minutes, then vacuum shelves and wipe surfaces with a 70 % ethanol solution. Dispose of any heavily infested items and store remaining materials in airtight containers to prevent recurrence.
How to remove a book louse? - in detail
Book lice, the tiny insects that feed on mold and fungal spores in paper products, require a systematic approach for eradication. First, confirm their presence by inspecting the affected material for tiny, brownish insects about 1 mm long and for fine webbing or yellowish stains. Isolate any contaminated books, papers, or documents by placing them in sealed plastic bags to prevent spread.
The most reliable physical method is temperature control. Freeze sealed items at –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours; the cold kills all life stages. For items that can tolerate heat, expose them to a temperature of at least 55 °C (130 °F) for 30 minutes using a drying cabinet or a controlled oven. Ensure the heat does not damage the material; test a small, inconspicuous area first.
If freezing or heating is impractical, employ thorough cleaning. Vacuum shelves and storage areas with a HEPA‑filtered vacuum, discarding the bag or emptying the canister outdoors. Wipe surfaces with a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a mild detergent, then dry completely. For heavily infested paper, consider dry‑ice treatment: place a tray of dry ice near the material for several hours, allowing the cold vapour to permeate and kill the insects.
Chemical treatments should be used sparingly and according to safety guidelines. Apply a low‑toxicity insecticide formulated for indoor use, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray, directly onto surfaces, avoiding direct contact with the books themselves. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exposure time and ventilation.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining low humidity (below 50 %) and stable temperatures, storing items in airtight containers, and periodically inspecting collections. Regularly rotate stored materials to discourage mold growth, which provides food for the insects. Implementing these measures eliminates current populations and reduces the risk of recurrence.