Those Tiny Bugs Crawling Around Your Room? They Might Be a Sign of Hidden Mould in Your Home

You’re not imagining it. Those little bugs crawling around your walls, windows, or bathroom tiles are real. And they’re not termites or bedbugs. In most cases, they’re booklice. These insects are harmless on their own, but often a sign of something more serious happening in your home.

If you’ve been spotting tiny white or translucent insects moving slowly across surfaces, especially after rainy days, it could mean your home is harbouring hidden mould.

What Are Booklice and Why Are They in Your Home

Booklice, also known as psocids, are tiny insects usually around one millimetre in length. They survive in humid environments and feed on microscopic mould and organic particles. You’ll often see them crawling near windows, in cupboards, on bathroom shelves, or even along walls and ceilings.

Singapore’s high humidity creates the perfect conditions for booklice to appear. While they are not harmful, they do not show up randomly. If you’re seeing them, it means there is likely enough mould or moisture nearby for them to survive and multiply.

Where You’re Most Likely to Find Them

Homeowners often tell us they keep seeing small bugs in certain corners but cannot figure out why. These insects usually appear in areas like:

• Bedrooms with little ventilation

 • Closed wardrobes and storage cupboards

 • Bathroom walls and vanity units

 • Window sills and curtain tracks

 • Paper bags, cardboard boxes, or books stored in humid places

These are the same areas where mould begins to grow quietly without being immediately visible.

Why Booklice Are a Warning Sign

Booklice are not harmful to people. They do not bite, sting, or spread disease. But their presence is a red flag that your indoor environment is too humid. They feed on the same type of mould that leads to musty smells, paint damage, and air quality issues.

If left unaddressed, the mould they feed on can grow more aggressively. What starts off as a few bugs can eventually lead to stained walls, furniture damage, and even respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals.

How to Respond When You See Booklice

Seeing a few booklice doesn’t mean your home is dirty. But it does mean your space is too moist. Here’s what you can do right away:

• Improve ventilation in the room by opening windows or using fans

 • Run a dehumidifier in areas where they are frequently seen

 • Avoid using cardboard or paper storage in high-humidity spots

 • Do not paint over affected surfaces without treating them properly

 • Avoid using bug spray since it does not solve the root cause

If you notice that the booklice keep returning, that’s a sign there is mould or moisture buildup that needs professional attention.

How Sterng Can Help

We don’t just remove booklice. We remove the reason they are there in the first place. That usually means mould or hidden dampness.

Our team will inspect the area to find the source of the moisture. We treat it with an alkaline-based solution to eliminate spores at the root, and follow up with fogging to clear the air of any lingering mould particles.

Once the food source is gone, the booklice disappear naturally.

Final Thoughts

Tiny bugs in your room may seem like a small problem, but they are usually the first sign that something is off. In Singapore’s climate, mould can grow quickly even in homes that look spotless. Booklice are nature’s way of warning you before things get worse.

If you’ve been spotting these insects and want peace of mind, Sterng offers free inspections across Singapore. Tap here to WhatsApp us and let us check whether your home is dealing with hidden mould.