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Nearly one thousand species of Psocoptera have
been catalogued, the majority of which live outdoors, feeding on moulds and fungi. Psocids become a pest when they invade homes - almost always linked with damp
conditions.
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Booklice
Image Copyright - Aventis
Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental
Science. |
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Class: |
Insecta |
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Order: |
Psocoptera |
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Family: |
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Also referred to as Booklice,
psocids are primitive insects with simple antennae. Psocids favour damp conditions. |
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Eggs are generally laid within foodstuffs when
psocids are found indoors. Incomplete metamorphosis life-cycle characterises the
development of all psocids, with nymphal stages (of which there are usually 3 - 7) closely
resembling the adult form. Full life cycle can proceed in 6 to 8 weeks under optimum
conditions (20� - 25�c). |
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Psocids are almost always associated with damp
conditions and indeed require damp environments to survive. Disposal of infested
foodstuffs, and drying of infested areas may provide adequate means of control. In
more problematic situations, residual insecticide use many be necessary. |
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