Are Bugs Attracted to Mold?

There are several reasons why bugs like mold. Some use mold as a food source, while others are attracted to the effects of mold. Essentially, since mold breaks down organic materials like wood and paper, bugs that eat wood and paper have an easy and reliable, and easily digestible source of food around the mold. In addition, mold and certain insects both prefer a damp, dark environment where they can thrive. 



Some types of bugs attracted to mold include:

Different species of flies, gnats, and mites love mold because they can eat it. Their only purpose is often reproduction, and having an easy source of food makes for the perfect breeding ground. Not only are these bugs a nuisance, but they can attract other bugs with their short life cycle. On top of that, mites and larvae can cause damage to your household items and personal belongings like clothing and furniture.

Termites can cause as much destruction to your property as mold does, while ants are hard to get rid of once they make a nest inside your home. Mold does a lot of work for termites by breaking down the wood for an easy meal. Unfortunately, it also provides openings for the termites to get into other areas of your home. Unlike termites, ants won’t actually eat the wood, but they might take advantage of the softened structure to build their nest and make your home their own.

Spiders aren’t big fans of mold itself, but the other insects that it attracts. They could also be drawn to the smell produced by mold, and when they find their bug feast, they’ll stick around. Spiders aren’t the worst thing to have in your house, but they could indicate a bigger problem.

Since bugs seem to love mold, it only makes sense to work to get rid of the mold first. Before that, though, the best thing you can do is find the mold’s cause. It could be as simple as high humidity or a poorly ventilated bathroom, or it could be something more serious like a roof leak or malfunctioning appliance. Mold testing can help you find the source of the mold with infrared readers that can see behind walls and through cabinets so you can prevent further water damage.

Once you’ve stopped what’s causing your mold problem, it’s time to tackle the mold itself. Getting rid of mold is tricky because of the health risks and how easy it is to worsen the problem. Since mold can spread through the air and on your clothes, it’s better left to an expert who is well-equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to get rid of the problem for good. Otherwise, you could accidentally have a bigger problem on your hands or end up missing infested areas.

Finally, it’s time to get rid of those bugs attracted to mold. Often, the problem will resolve itself once the mold is removed. Some insects will be more stubborn, however, and might also call for a separate bug expert to help. Depending on the type of insects you have, you might have to call in an exterminator to help you monitor the process and get rid of the insects for good. While it might be a stressful process, having the right team on your side will ensure that the problem is resolved so you can live bug and mold-free.

What to Do If You Find Mold



If you notice a sudden bug infestation or smell a musty odor, you might need mold inspection and testing. At Mold Inspectors of Florida, we use cutting-edge technology to inspect your home or business for mold with fast and accurate results. Mold and insects can lower your indoor air quality and cause health issues like worsened asthma and other respiratory issues. So instead of living with the problem, we’ll help you get to the bottom of it and find the solutions that you need. Contact us to get the peace of mind of a professional and reliable service when you need it!

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