Which insect is known to infest books?

Silverfish are commonly known to infest books due to their diet, which consists primarily of carbohydrates found in paper, glue, and other materials in books. They thrive in environments that offer moisture and darkness, making shelves, attics, and basements prime locations for infestation. Their ability to reproduce quickly in these conditions can lead to significant damage over time.

While termites do consume wood and may inadvertently damage books in wooden shelves or furniture, their primary focus is on structural wood and not the paper itself. Carpenter ants are more active in damaging wood materials as well but do not directly target books. Book lice, though they can be found in and around books, typically feed on mold and fungi rather than the paper itself, making silverfish the most recognized pest for directly infesting and damaging books.