Packets of food that have been opened should be used up quickly and not pushed out of sight to the back of the cupboard. Psocids could increase here and then move out to infest other, newer packages of foods. Any potential hiding places should be sealed with paint or mastic. Many fitted kitchen cupboards are made from laminated chipboard and the surfaces which are not on view tend not to have a laminated finish. These unfinished edges can provide crevices for the psocids to hide in and should be sealed with a coat of paint or varnish.
Dry food can also get into crevices of cupboards and provide a food supply for psocids.
Regular cleaning of cupboards is advisable but do not make the chipboard wet since this may encourage mould growth. Use of a vacuum cleaner is recommended, provided the contents are then immediately disposed of in an outside waste bin. If these prevention measures fail and you do discover psocids in your food, do not use an insecticide because of the danger of contaminating your food. Dispose of all visibly infested packages in an outside waste bin and thoroughly clean the cupboards using a vacuum cleaner, paying particular attention to crevices. If psocids are found in other parts of the house, clean the area with a vacuum cleaner.