Booklice or Bed Bugs? We are confused…

Question: Hi! We are finding different bugs lately around our new home. I managed to make some photos with the camera and we are really confused. We don't know if they are booklice or bed bugs. We didn't find anything in the mattress but the shape is very similar.On the other hand, they appear all around the house but specially in bathrooms, baseboards and close to light sockets/plugs.We are a bit scared that this could be bad since we are seeing around 15-20 per day climbing on the walls.Thanks in advance!

responder: -----------------------------  Replied July 03, 2023, 12:48 PM EDT
response: Hi there - I'm sorry to hear about the issue, but I'm glad you reached out to OSU Extension.   You are right; they appear to be different bugs. One is hard-bodied, oval shaped, with long antennae. Maybe a carpet beetle? One appears to be a bark louse, fond of moist settings. The third photo is difficult to decifer, but they could be mites (one immature, one mature with dark coloring).   Small detritovores like these may all be drawn to the same kind of conditions, moist and dark. It makes me wonder if there's a water leak in the wall, or a place that stays moist in the carpet. Barklice enjoy eating plant material (paper, wood, cardboard, hardboard) that is moist. You might be able to knock down each pest population by engaging in a campaign to remove moisture for a few weeks. There are several methods to consider, fans, dehumidifiers, removal of dampened material, and potentially a dessicating (drying) powder such as diatomaceous earth.   If you're hesitant to open a hole in the wall, you can always access the wall void by taking the face plate away from an electrical outlet. That can be a good way to inspect and potentially, to apply powder.   There are products on the market that absorb moisture from the air. That may be another option to consider in your campaign. When I performed a similar campaign a few years ago, I put toilet paper on my clean bathroom floor to inspect for moisture, leaving it alone overnight. Sure enough, I found out that my toilet tank was leaking (dripping) onto the floor.   If you decide to use a pesticide such as diatomaceous earth, be sure to follow the label directions closely. It can be used inside as a light dusting in cracks/crevices, and it works best on soft-bodied insects.   Thanks again for reaching out! I wish you the best, Kaci

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Hello Kaci! Thank you so much for your response, it has been really helpful and specific. You have nailed every point and described pretty much the conditions that we are suffering in our apartment. We have been renting this space for a year. It is almost new construction and the materials are fantastic, but the whole building has been suffering water leaks and consequently moisture. We are in the 4th floor, and this past winter, we had a water leak that was taken care of…but recently our upstairs neighbour from the 5th had a big leak too, so it's almost certain that all the water spread quickly behind the walls and created the perfect conditions for these bugs to live their best life and start showing up.  A pest expert visited us, but he really didn't know what they were or how to act, so thats why we decided to open this conversation. I bought diatomaceous earth and we are gonna try all the things you mentioned.  One last thing: I've read on this space that these creatures are not harmful to humans but I started to see more around the kitchen and the closets. Should we be worried about looking into our food supplies and clothing? Or they are really only interested in the humidity/moist/damp?  Thanks so much for your help! Gretta

responder: -----------------------------  Replied July 14, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT
response: Hello again,   The invaders are interested in wet plant material, not dry goods/clothing. If they get moist, that's another story!  I wish you good luck in navigating this tough situation. It's hard when you don't control the whole structure, but you're doing great!  Thanks for reaching out to OSU Extension. Kaci