From termites to cockroaches, mold can attract all sorts of insects and other critters. Unfortunately, mold and pests can get caught up in a vicious cycle. Moisture attracts mold, then mold attracts pests like bugs. And around and around it goes. If you want to keep pests out of your home, you must control the moisture that is present in your basement or other areas of your house, plus get rid of standing water throughout your yard.

Because both mold and bugs tend to thrive in similar conditions, you’ll have to be extra diligent to ensure your property is not a breeding ground for unwelcome guests.

Mold, a fast-spreading organic material, can proliferate through your home in as little as 48 hours if you don’t do something about it. Mold gives off allergens and irritants that make your family sick, so be aware that prompt removal of the mold and the source (water) is vital. Once you take away the source, bugs will not be as attracted to that area.

Bugs That Love Mold

Here’s a look at the insects that thrive in moldy conditions.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are able to survive in any living condition. They will even eat paper if they have to. In this case, mold actually helps out the fastidious cockroach, breaking down paper so it becomes easier to digest. Same thing with wood, which roaches also like to ingest.
• Termites: Termites thrive on the odors that mold produce. That’s because mold gives off mycotoxins, which release an odor termites cannot resist. When mold is able to break down wood, the wood is more easily penetrable by termites. Then, the termites dig tunnels, providing mold with an even wider area to infiltrate.
• Mold Mites: Mold mites are cousins of dust mites. Small and white, mold mites have long hairs, AKA setae. And when those hairs start to come loose, you can breathe them in and be susceptible to an allergic reaction.
• Booklice: Moldy paper within old books or documents in your attic is irresistible to bugs called booklice. They can eat the paper more easily thanks to the mold that breaks it down.
• Foreign Grain Beetles: Older homes with high humidity levels can attract foreign grain beetles. These insects live wherever mold does, and they feed on fungal spores and mildew.

The Right Environmental Conditions

Mold loves warm, wet conditions, which also serve to attract bugs such as cockroaches, ear wigs, silver fish, and centipedes. They thrive as long as they have access to water and food.

• Mold will infiltrate any porous material in your home, fridge, and pantry.
• Mold-friendly bugs eat food and non-food items in your pantry, along with organic matter and mold itself. Bugs that prefer to just eat mold include fungus gnats and mold mites.

In conclusion, mold attracts bugs, so be sure to keep moisture from setting up shop in your home, in anywhere from the bathroom and basement to attic and crawlspace.

Mold Control & Pest Solutions in Nashville TN

If you have spotted mold accumulation and experienced subsequent pest infestation, contact us today at 615-502-2855 to schedule a free inspection. Our pest control technicians in Nashville also happen to be water and mold remediation professionals. We know how humid weather can affect properties in this area, so don’t hesitate to call us.