No one wants to find mold in their property, it smells, it looks unsightly and it could be dangerous, but hearing that it could also attract bugs makes the prospect of it hiding behind your walls and in your attic all the more concerning.
So, is there any truth behind bugs being attracted to mold? Does it really make an infestation more likely and can you do anything to stop it?
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more, so, for all you need to know about the connection between mold and bugs, keep reading.
What is mold?
Molds are a type of fungus that grows in high moisture areas such as within soil and on decaying organic materials. They grow more rapidly in warmer climates and will often be found where there is little exposure to natural sunlight.
Within a property, it is found in high moisture areas such as within bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and ceilings where moisture condenses, with poor ventilation and increased insulation in new-builds being the main causes.
There are thousands of types of mold, some of which can be entirely harmless to humans, and others that have the potential to cause serious health conditions.
Their ability to spread comes from spores, which when airborne can float through the air to create additional colonies when they find the appropriate environment.
Why would bugs be attracted to mold?
As mold is so unappealing to humans, it may seem odd to think that bugs could be attracted to it, so why could this be the case?
There are several reasons why bugs of different types could be attracted to mold and the areas it lives in, which we will dive into a little deeper now.
Environment
The type of environments that mold and bugs live in are very similar. They require darker environments that are out of direct sunlight with plenty of moisture and sources of nutrients.
As many bugs eat rotting vegetation and other organic materials, it stands to reason that they could be found living near mold, as this is what many fungi feed off too.
Food
Mold breaks down organic materials, which Camel crickets, millipedes, ants, cockroaches, and slugs all make use of this by waiting for the fungi to break the items down so the nutrients can be absorbed more easily.
What types of mold attract bugs?
Most strains of mold grow in very similar environments, usually in places with a temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity greater than 55%, and with a lack of natural sunlight.
There are some exceptions to this rule, as a few strains can survive in temperatures above or below this range.
The most common strains to grow indoors are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus, with outdoor strains being Alternaria, Fusarium, and Chaetomium to name a few. Any of these strains can be sources of food for mold mites.
Does black mold attract different bugs?
No, true black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), grows in the same high-moisture, warm environments that other strains live in.
Mold mites and other insects will be able to eat black mold just as they would other strains such as Penicillium and Aspergillus.
It is generally not the particular strain that attracts bugs, but more the circumstances under which it grows that attracts all types of bugs, and arachnids.
How to get rid of mold and bugs yourself
No one wants to find bugs or mold growing in their property, and they certainly don’t want both at the same time.
In order to remove bugs and mold, you need to make changes to the environment they are currently living in.
The following are steps you can take to make your property as inhospitable as possible to both mold and bugs, ensuring it stays pest and fungi-free.
Keep the moisture down
Living organisms need water to live, and if you remove this resource, invasions of bugs and mold will die off and not return.
Aim to keep your property below 55% humidity as often as possible, as this is the minimum requirement for mold growth. Open windows, place extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens, increase passive ventilation, and make use of dehumidifiers if needed.
To make it easier to keep check on the humidity levels in your home, you can place hygrometers in several rooms. These units are no larger than digital alarm clocks and will clearly display the overall humidity levels in the room it’s been placed. As soon as the level reaches higher than 55%, you should open doors and windows and ensure there is plenty of airflow to reduce the level.
Keep it clean
Both fungi and other living organisms require nutrients, they often consume organic matter from either rotting vegetation or dust particles that contain shed skin cells.
Keeping your house free of dust and debris will remove the main source of food for these imposters, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive.
Make sure there is plenty of airflow
A lack of airflow is a big contributor to mold growth, as it allows moisture-laden air to remain in the same place, which then condensates and provides a source of hydration.
This is an ever-increasing problem in new-build properties, as they often focus on heat retention by removing all gaps within a building. These gaps would allow a supply of fresh air that increases the internal pressure within a room, forcing out old moisture-laden air and pulling in fresh, dry air. Closing all gaps prevents moisture from leaving, allowing it to create the perfect environment for mold and bugs to live in.
Opening windows and installing air vents and positive input ventilation units are effective and proven methods of increasing airflow and reducing humidity, even in new-build properties.
Make use of natural sunlight
UV radiation from the sun is powerful enough to break down the DNA of mold and also assists in drying the air within a property, killing mold and again, making the environment inhospitable to unwanted visitors.
If possible, keep windows and doors open to allow natural sunlight into rooms, and make use of UV lamps in
Use sprays
It may not be everyone’s first choice, but in extreme circumstances, there are both anti-mold and anti-bug sprays that you can use to either kill or discourage mold growth and bug infestations.
Some of the chemicals in these products can be powerful and possibly hazardous, so make sure you use the product as intended by the manufacturer, and always follow the product directions.
When should you call a professional?
Under some circumstances, mold and pest infestation may become so established that they can only be controlled by a professional.
Should you find that mold has grown in large patches, or is frequently returning after being removed, hiring a professional may be the best course of action to save on both time and your finances.
This is also the case if you continue to have infestations of bugs, as there may be reasons other than high humidity in your property that could be the cause.
FAQ
What do mold mites look like?
As you may have guessed by their name, mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae), are found living around mold, as it provides an excellent source of food for them.
They are tiny creatures at .03 mm and are similar in size to dust mites. Because of their small size, these mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye but have a white to brown color with a shape similar to a small tick.
Does mold attract flies?
Certain flying insects known as Phorid flies are often seen in or around patches of mold. This is not because they eat the fungi or use it to produce food of their own, it is simply because the insect prefers a warm, moist environment to raise its larvae, which is exactly the type of environment mold thrives in.
Can mold attract ants?
Yes, in a similar fashion to other insects, ants thrive in the same, damp and warm environments that molds and other fungi live in.
Certain species, including the leaf cutter ant, use fungi as their main source of nutrients, so they can certainly live happily in the same habitat.
Does mold attract spiders?
Spiders are a creature that thrives in warm, moist areas. So, mold may not attract spiders as such, however, the environment in which fungi grows is certainly very appealing to them. This is why they can often be found in basements and bathrooms, where if untreated, mold may also begin to grow.
Conclusion
Mold can and does attract bugs into properties. Many creatures find the environment that it grows in to be a suitable habitat, as well as using fungi to break down organic materials so they can be consumed. Mold mites are one of the few organisms that actually use mold as a source of nutrition.
To prevent mold and bugs from invading your home, keep the moisture level below 55%, clean dust, and debris frequently, and ensure there is plenty of natural sunlight and airflow through your property.
