Bookworms actually exist – here’s how to protect your books from them

People have been shocked to learn that bookworms are more than just a saying, as readers have been finding creepy crawlies in their bookshelves.

Mexican TikTok creator Alejandra went viral on the app with over 23.2 million people having watched a video of her finding out her book had been infested by bookworms, making viewers shocked to learn that bookworms actually exist.

“Check your books,” she wrote in the caption of the video.

Another woman named Lain also posted her own video showing how the side of her book had been nibbled on by bookworms.

While the term might suggest the bug being an actual worm, there are actually several bugs that can act as bookworms, including beetles, silverfish, termites, and book lice. But how do you stop these bookworms from eating your books?

How to prevent bookworms

The best way to prevent a bookworm infestation is to make sure you’re storing your books in the right way.

Artifact Services recommends storing your books in a climate controlled environment and to not put them directly onto the floor, even if they’re in a box. This is because they become more accessible to pests if stored on the floor, or in an attic or basement.

Instead, they recommend displaying your books in a bookcase. Not only does this allow for better monitoring of your books, making it easier to spot an infestation earlier, it also provides better air circulation, making it less likely to get damp and then develop mould, which invites pests and degradation.

It’s also important to make sure you’re keeping your bookcase clean by wiping down any dust regularly. Also make sure to limit any dampness around the books, such as by using a dehumidifyer.

You can also store your books in archival clamshell boxes to provide extra protection from both pests as well as sunshine, which is known to cause damage to books.

How to get rid of bookworms

If you find that your books have been infested, there are several different ways you can go about treating the problem. It’s recommended that you contact a professional to find the best course of action for your problem.

They might recommend that you treat the problem yourself by putting the book in the freezer. Simply wrap your book before putting it in the freezer and then thaw it. Repeat this cycle a few times to make sure the bugs are killed.

You can also add the book to an air-tight chamber. As the oxygen is gradually depleted from the chamber, it makes sure to kill any pests living in it.

The final solution would be to use pesticides. However, the pesticide shouldn’t touch the book, as it could cause staining or further damage to the book. Instead, contact a professional to determine the best cause of action.