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June

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By W P /

Does Mould Attract Bugs. Yes And Here’s What Kind And Why
By: 911 Water Damage Experts

Believe it or not, bugs and mould are a match made in heaven.

Even though they are mostly considered separate issues, they go very well together.

When the mould spores calm down, it attracts bugs and they come out to play!

There are plenty of reasons why the bugs and insects are attracted to mould.

This is why it’s important for every homeowner to look out for all mould forms around the home.

Why Are Bugs Attracted To Mould?

There are multiple reasons why bugs are attracted to mould.

In some cases, mites can feed on the mould itself, and in 0ther cases, bugs such as the roaches, are attracted to the mould because it breaks down paper and makes it easier for them to digest it.

Why Are Bugs Attracted To Mould And What Kind Of Bugs Are Attracted To It?

Flies
In mouldy households, where fungus gnats are a frequent issue, some types of flies are attracted to it.

You can easily find these types of flies buzzing around greenhouses and houseplants and they do that because they are feeding on the organic matter in the soil and feeding on fungus as well.

These flies do not damage people or even plants, but they are annoying to have around the home.

You can keep flies at bay by ensuring you avoid having high moisture areas.

For example, ensure your plants do not overflow with water since the extra moisture can encourage the creation of mould on many surfaces.

In addition to this, make sure to remove things that act as organic debris, such as fallen leaves as soon as you can, since this is the type of thing that can create the perfect ground for the formation of mould.

Cockroaches
These are the single most hated type of bugs that can appear in a person’s home.

They can eat almost anything and this naturally means that they can survive any condition.

Even though they are not much about eating mould, they can eat almost anything on it, such as paper.

And as we already mentioned, the mould helps the paper break down and create an incredible feast.

This attracts the cockroaches and creates a welcoming area for them.

The bad thing about these nasty bugs is that they can bring allergens and pathogens into the home, so if you want to decrease your chance of a roach infestation, you should remove the mouldy spots in your home immediately.

Mould Mites
These are very frequently associated with mould and for a good reason – they are incredibly attracted to it.

Mould mites find the perfect ground to breed on is one that is wet, moist, and humid.

They love to feast on foods that are covered in mould such as bread, cheese, dried fruits, cereals, grains, flour, and so much more.

Also, mould mites can infest wallpaper, bulbs, clothing, straws, furniture, housing structure, and more.

They do not bite pets or people and they do not do damage to items in the home, however, they are unsightly and dirty creatures. Also, they can make any food inedible once they touch it.

Try to control the level of humidity in the home, especially in the pantry, cupboards, closet, and all other closed places in your home where there could be an increased chance of mould.

Spiders
Spiders do not eat mould, but they feast on many bugs that do eat mould, so of course, they will be the likely second ones to invade your home once mould forms in search for food.

This is the reason why you find spiders anywhere you look for mould.

And again, spiders and spider webs are unattractive things to have around the home.

Ants
Specifically, carpenter ants are attracted to mouldy wood.

Carpenter ants are the ones that go through the wooden structures so they can build their nests and they are much more likely to attract moisture-softened wood and fungus.

This is the sole reason why they are not wanted in the home because they can create some extensive damage to the home structure, which can be very expensive to fix.

If you want to avoid them, just try to regulate the temperature and the mould in your home, especially around the wooden structures.

How Bad Is Mould For Your Health?

For those people who are constantly exposed to it, mould can be very damaging to their health.

People dealing with mould allergies from being exposed to it usually sneeze regularly, have puffy eyes, and wheeze after being in contact with mould.

How Do I Prevent Mould And Mould Eating Bugs?

Below we highlight the most common and effective ways to keep mould and the bugs they attract away from your home.

Keep Humidity At A Minimum Level

Since mould thrives in humid environments, like the bathroom, basement, and kitchen.

A dehumidifier or an air conditioning unit is the perfect way to prevent mould from forming in the home.

Fix Leaks

Leaks main sources for mould creation, so if you fix your roof, pipes, and any existing leaks, you will be at a position to keep mould at bay.

Manage Ventilation

Another way to prevent the mould from forming is to keep your home ventilated at all times.

The fans are an exceptionally well addition to rooms where there is extra humidity.

Attack Mould Spots Now

Clean the mouldy areas immediately after you have noticed mould spores forming. This is the best way to prevent more mould from forming.

Keep Areas Clean

Of course, the bathroom is the first most moist area you would need to focus on if you want to prevent mould from creating.

Get a proper flow of air, whether it is an open window, a dehumidifier, or a fan, anything that can make the room as dry as possible.

Mould can form anywhere where there is extra moisture and it can attract plenty of bugs, such as cockroaches, mould mites, carpenter ants, spiders, and more.

Some of them feed off of the smaller bugs, and the smaller ones feed off of the mould, it is a chain reaction and the next thing you know it you have a home invested with mould and bugs.

Avoid this from happening: make sure to ventilate the rooms properly; clean them properly; and provide maximum airflow with minimum effort.

If you have any questions about mould inspection and guaranteed mould removal feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.

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