Perplexed by psocids?

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Appearance and behaviour

Psocids (Psocoptera sp.), or booklice as they're sometimes known, are minute (1-2mm long) grey or brown insects often found on the packaging of dry goods such as flour, milk powder, sugar or semolina and also microscopic moulds that develop in humid conditions.
They are common insects which do not generally cause any damage or destruction, nor spread disease, but people don't like discovering live creatures in their foodstuffs.
Pscocids are known to live for approximately six months and during that time a female can lay 200 eggs. Development from egg to adult takes abour one month.
These tiny insects dislike light or disturbance and prefer dark, warm, humid places, though they can tolerate dry conditions for some days.
Infestations are not caused by poor hygiene and are just as common in the newest and cleanest of homes as they are in older properties.

The Council does not offer a service for the treatment of psocids.

If you find psocids in your kitchen, don't use an insecticide as you risk contaminating your food.

The best method of eradicating them is to:

Remove and dispose of all affected food.
Clean the cupboard with a dry cloth, or vacuum it, and empty contents into a dustbin kept outside.
Make sure the storage area is completely dry before restocking. This may be achieved by using a warm air blower such as a hair dryer.

Keep the house free from condensation and, in particular, the kitchen. If you notice condensation, particularly during cooking, etc. open the window. Keep food cupboards well ventilated and dry.
Check cupboards regularly and use contents before their 'use by' dates.
Store vulnerable foodstuffs like flour in washable, covered containers.
Check food packaging before purchase to ensure it is undamaged.
Check the food on first opening, to ensure it is not infested.
Safeguard against the warm, moist and dark conditions that psocids like.