In a word: yes. It’s a cycle, actually. Moisture attracts mold and then mold attracts bugs and other pests. So, in order to keep bugs out of your home, you really need to control the moisture in your house or the standing water in your yard. Because both mold and bugs thrive in the same conditions, you have to be double diligent in ensuring your home doesn’t become a breeding ground for these two unwelcome guests.

Yes mold does attract bugs, It’s a cycle, actually. Moisture attracts mold and then mold attracts bugs and other pests. Water and moisture control in Nashville, TN

Mold is a quick-spreading organic material and can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours if left unchecked. Mold produces allergens and irritants that can make you sick, which is why proper, prompt removal of the mold, as well as the source (water), is necessary. Once the source is removed, the bugs won’t find the area so attractive.

Environmental Conditions

Mold thrives in warm, wet conditions. The same conditions attract bugs such as cockroaches, silver fish, centipedes, and ear wigs. These pests and more need access to both food and water in order to survive.

• What Does Mold Eat? Turns out, lots of things. It will take root in any porous material in your home, pantry and refrigerator.
• What Do Bugs Eat? Mold-friendly bugs will eat any and all food in your pantry as well as organic matter and even mold itself. Bugs that actually eat mold include mold mites and fungus gnats.

Which Bugs Does Mold Attract?

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches can survive in virtually any living condition. They will get by even if they have to eat paper. That’s where mold is helpful to the cockroach: mold breaks down paper so it’s easier to digest. Same goes for wood, which cockroaches will also eat. As you can see, they’re not picky.
• Booklice: Moldy paper, such as that found in books or in documents stored in your attic, will attract bugs called booklice. The mold breaks down the paper, making it easier for booklice to eat it.
• Mold Mites: Mold mites are dust mites’ mold-loving cousin. They’re small and white, with long hairs called setae. When those hairs come loose, people can breathe them in and experience an allergic reaction, just like they may when coming into contact with mold.
• Termites: Termites loves the odors that mold produce. Mold produces mycotoxins, which give off an odor termites can’t resist. Because mold breaks down wood, it makes the wood more easily penetrable. The termites then return the favor by tunneling through the wood and giving mold an even wider entrance to infiltrate.
• Foreign Grain Beetles: Typically found in older homes with very high humidity levels, foreign grain beetles thrive anywhere mold does, feeding on mildews and fungal spores.

Mold and Mildew Does Attract Insects

The lesson of the day is: yes, mold attracts bugs. So, you should do all you can to keep moisture from accumulating in areas such as bathrooms, basements, attics and crawlspaces. Periodically check in and under cabinets where a sink or refrigeration unit is.

Contact PureGuard Pest Solutions in Nashville TN

If you have noticed mold accumulation in your home and subsequent pest infestation, contact us today at 615-502-2855 to schedule a free inspection. Did you know we are water and mold remediation professionals as well as exterminators? Well trained in all aspects of mold and water remediation in Nashville, we have an intimate knowledge of how the humid weather affects properties in this area.

Call us for 24-hour emergency service as your trusted full service mold and water remediation company. We will clean up and repair the damage that has occurred to your home after water and mold infiltration.