Why Does Mould Attract Bugs?

CONTENTS

• What is mould?
• How mould can lead to bug infestations
• What pests are attracted to mould?
• Why you should not tackle mould or pests on your own
• What to do when you see bugs but not the mould
• Get in touch

Mould is a very common problem in the UK thanks to our cold, wet weather. But mould can also lead to other issues in your property, like pest infestations. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer rapid-response mould remediation services where our Dewpoint-accredited technicians can eliminate all of the mould in your property. They can also diagnose the root cause and advise you on how to prevent the mould from returning.

Read on to find out what mould is and why it attracts bugs.

What is mould?

Mould grows in damp and humid conditions, typically spreading across the walls and ceilings in your home, and eventually reaching fabric surfaces like your furniture. There are a few factors that could lead directly to mould growth, and you should watch out for signs of:

• Condensation on tiles or windows
• Humidity
• Rising damp
• Poor ventilation

We often see mould growing in kitchens and bathrooms due to the combination of steam, condensation, and humid temperatures. 

Once mould has started growing in your home, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. DIY solutions and cleaning products will probably not kill all of the mould, and you may also be putting your health. Instead, contact mould remediation specialists to take care of it for you.

How mould can lead to bug infestations

Some species of bugs are attracted to the same environment where mould grows. They enjoy humid and moist conditions because it provides a source of water and, if mould has started growing, food. These bugs will eventually die and provide organic material for mould to consume. The cycle will continue until the mould and humidity are removed.

What pests are attracted to mould?

• Silverfish
• Booklice
• Springtails
• Woodlice
• Centipedes
• Mould mites
• Mould beetles

Keep an eye out for beetles and mould mites, in particular, as they are difficult to spot due to their size and can hide in very tight spaces, like electrical sockets. They feed on mould and other organic matter, which could lead to them infesting your kitchen and food containers.

Why you should not tackle mould or pests on your own

Most of these bugs are harmless to humans and do not carry diseases. However, they can still become an uncontrollable problem. Bugs tend to breed in large numbers and can be hard to prevent once they have started reproducing.

Mould mites, for example, multiply quickly, with a female laying between 500 to 800 eggs in her lifetime. This requires direct intervention with pest control in combination with mould removal services.

Mould releases airborne spores that travel throughout the property, finding new places to grow and thrive. If you scrub the mould, you may release spores and inhale them, putting you at risk of health problems like:

• Nose bleeds
• Sinusitis
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Coughing

What to do when you see bugs but not the mould

If you have spotted bugs in your home but cannot seem to find a source of mould, it may be that the humidity and dampness in your home are increasing.

You should contact pest control services and ask for advice on your next steps. Mould growth may still be preventable, and you could stop it before it starts by:

• Disposing of objects affected by damp
• Cleaning the gutters and checking leaky pipes
• Insulating your home
• Buying a dehumidifier
• Letting more natural light into your home
• Keeping air moisture low
• Cleaning your home regularly
• Ventilating your home

Get in touch

ICE Cleaning is a specialist cleaning company that provides mould cleaning services. Every mould remediation comes with a lifetime guarantee*, ensuring that your home remains mould-free. 

We also offer pest control services if you have an outbreak of insects in your home. Our qualified cleaners can stop the pests at source for good.

If you are interested in these services, contact us at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote today.

*subject to advisories