Finding damaged books, documents, or wallpaper often indicates a pest issue. Various insects are drawn to paper materials for shelter and food. Understanding which insects cause this damage is the first step in addressing the problem.
Key Paper-Eating Insects
Several insect species consume or damage paper materials in homes. Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are common culprits, characterized by their silvery, fish-like appearance and quick movements. These wingless insects thrive in damp, dark environments, feeding on starches and cellulose in paper, bookbindings, and wallpaper glue. They are also attracted to paper with ink, which they find more nutritious.
Booklice, or psocids, are tiny, pale insects that prefer damp, moldy conditions. Unlike silverfish, booklice do not directly consume paper but feed on microscopic mold and fungi on paper surfaces, especially in humid environments. Their feeding activity can still lead to noticeable damage as they graze the surface.
Termites, including subterranean and drywood species, are destructive paper pests. They feed on cellulose, a main component of wood and paper, tunneling through materials from hidden locations. Termites can go undetected for years, causing extensive damage to books, documents, and structural elements of a home.
Cockroaches, while not exclusive paper-eaters, readily consume paper, glue, and starches, particularly in unsanitary or moist conditions. Common species found in homes damage paper goods. They are attracted to dark, warm, and humid places, often leaving behind gnaw marks and stains.
Less common but still capable of paper damage are carpet beetles (Dermestidae) and clothes moths (Tineidae). These insects feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, or feathers, but can damage paper soiled with organic matter or containing animal glue in bookbindings. Their larvae are the primary cause of damage, as they require specific nutrients found in these soiled materials.
Recognizing the Damage
Identifying the specific insect causing paper damage involves observing the distinct patterns and signs left behind. Silverfish leave irregular holes and scraping marks on paper, often removing the surface glaze and leaving a dull finish. Their feeding can also result in yellowish stains and tiny black fecal pellets, known as frass, which resemble pepper.
Booklice damage appears as surface abrasions or “grazing” marks on paper, frequently accompanied by visible mold or mildew stains. The insects themselves are very small, making the damage they cause subtle unless a large population is present. Their activity indicates underlying moisture issues that promote fungal growth.
Termite damage to paper is characterized by tunnels within the material, which may not be visible until the item is opened or broken. Mud tubes near infested items or hollowed-out sections of paper are also strong indicators of termite presence. Drywood termites may leave behind small, gritty fecal pellets near the damaged paper.
Cockroach damage on paper manifests as irregular gnaw marks along edges or surfaces. These marks are accompanied by dark fecal smears or stains and a distinctive musty odor in the infested area. Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders, so their damage can appear on various paper products.
Damage from carpet beetles or clothes moths on paper is limited to items soiled with food or sweat, or those with fabric components like book bindings. This damage might appear as irregular holes in the fabric or paper itself, with associated webbing or larval casings. The presence of such damage suggests the paper has attracted these pests due to its ancillary materials rather than the paper fibers alone.
Protecting Your Paper
Controlling moisture is an important step in preventing paper-eating insects, as many pests like silverfish and booklice thrive in damp conditions. Using dehumidifiers, repairing leaks, and ensuring adequate ventilation can significantly reduce humidity levels where paper is stored. Maintaining stable, moderate temperatures also helps create an environment less appealing to pests.
Effective storage practices are essential for protecting paper materials. Storing documents and books in airtight, pest-proof containers, such as plastic bins with secure lids, creates a physical barrier against insects. Elevating items off the floor, especially in basements or garages, can deter pests that prefer ground-level access. Avoiding cardboard boxes for long-term storage is advisable, as they can serve as both food and shelter for some insects.
Regular inspection of stored paper allows for early detection of any damage or pest activity. Cleaning storage areas by regularly vacuuming and dusting helps remove potential food sources and insect hiding spots. Sealing cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around pipes can prevent insects from entering living and storage spaces.
For severe infestations, particularly with termites, professional pest control may be necessary due to their destructive potential and specialized treatment requirements. These experts can identify the extent of the problem and implement targeted solutions to eradicate the pests.