what insects are attracted to damp

Types of Bugs Attracted to Water

• Cockroaches Roaches love damp environments. ...
• Earwigs If you’re finding earwigs in or around your home, it’s likely they’ve formed a colony nearby. ...
• Silverfish These silver pests need high levels of humidity to survive. ...
• Ants In addition to food, ants are attracted to damp areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. ...
• Termites ...
• Mosquitos ...
• Pill Bugs ...

Full Answer

What kind of bugs live in damp places?

1 Silverfish. These are the most common bug associated with damp places. ... 2 Booklice. These are tiny insects that are only a little bit bigger than the head of a pin. ... 3 Springtail. These bugs come in a rainbow of different colours, but their identifiers are their furcula at the end of their abdomens. 4 Woodlice. ... 5 Centipedes. ...

What pests are attracted to moisture in your home?

Here are four pests that are attracted to the moisture in your home, and what to do about them. The German cockroach ( Blattela germanica) is by far the most common roach species infesting homes in North America. German cockroaches are ½ to ⅝ inches long, with light brown or tan bodies, six legs, and long antennae.

What attracts bugs in the basement?

There are a variety of different basement bugs attracted to moisture. Some, like certain types of spiders, you want to keep, and others you'll probably want to remove. While it's impossible to be completely rid of insects, you can decrease their presence in your basement.

Why do Bugs need to be damp?

These creatures aren’t actually bugs, they are land dwelling crustaceans. This is why they need to remain damp because they need to be able to breathe through their gills.

What kind of bugs does moisture attract?

What bugs thrive in humidity?Cockroaches.Silverfish.Centipedes.Earwigs.Mosquitoes.

Are insects attracted to moisture?

Insects are attracted to moisture because they need water to survive, but that's not the only reason. Warm, moist areas also provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Some insects feed off the tiny spores or off decaying organic matter that hosts the mold or mildew.

Are spiders attracted to dampness?

Some spiders are attracted to moisture, so they take shelter in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas inside a home. Other spiders prefer drier environments such as; air vents, high upper corners of rooms, and attics.

What bugs are attracted to water damage?

The types of bugs that moist environments attract include carpenter ants, termites, silverfish, beetles, roaches, etc. A weakening of your homes walls and possibly the foundation and roof will result when they migrate from where they gained entrance, the basement.

How do you get rid of damp bugs?

To get rid of mould mites, you need to treat the source of their foodstuff and remove the mould. For small areas, you may be able to get rid of the mould yourself by scrubbing the area with home remedies made up of bleach or white vinegar, or even shop-bought mould-remover preparations.

How do you get rid of moisture bugs?

Pour alcohol into a spray bottle, dilute it with water, and spray on the waterbugs and their nests. Detergents: Liquid dishwashing detergents are another readily available pest control product. The soap kills the water bugs by breaking down its protective skin, slowly killing them.

Does a wet towel attract bugs?

According to Ruiz and Martin, wet towels also attract bugs such as gnats, flies, mites, centipedes, ants, crickets, and cockroaches—all of which are common sources of food for spiders. "Spiders are attracted to moisture because one, they need it to survive, and two, they know their prey also needs it to survive.

Do damp towels attract spiders?

Wet towels are likely to attract spiders because of their moisture, as "moisture is essential for any spider and they cannot live without it," says Macy Ruiz, a board-certified entomologist working with Ehrlich Pest Control.

Will a dehumidifier help with spiders?

Spiders seem to be attracted to humid homes. If you can, install a dehumidifier in your home and you'll be far less likely to have a large spider population. With spiders liking humid and dark areas, a dehumidifier can remove some of this moisture and most likely the spiders along with it.

What bugs are attracted to rotting wood?

Unlike many other wood-destroying insects, carpenter ants and bees don't consume wood for nutrition. Instead, these bugs get their names because they seek out weakened or rotting wood, insulation materials, hollow-core doors and spaces between walls to bore into wood and build nests.

What's a water bug look like?

Water bugs are large, with some species reaching 4″. Their body shape is flat, oval, and tan or brown in color. Unlike roaches, water bugs have clawed front feet, a piercing mouth, and short antennae. Waterbugs have wings in an x-shape.

Can water damage cause roaches?

Water Attracts Cockroaches Whether caused by a pinpoint leak or a burst pipe, plumbing leaks are a leading cause of cockroach infestations. While some of the 55 species of cockroaches in the United States can live for weeks without food, they can't survive more than a few days without water.

Are insects attracted to standing water?

Standing water can serve as an invite to mosquitos, termites, cockroaches, and other pests who are trying to find the perfect spot to call home.

Do wet clothes attract bugs?

Moisture is once again at play to attract bugs that love wet areas. Like the laundry room, clothing clutter can come into play.

Will a humidifier attract bugs?

Using a humidifier will help solve this problem and get your humidity levels to where they should be (30%-50%). However, a humidifier may attract unwanted pests such as spiders and bugs.

Do damp walls attract flies?

Flies are known to be attracted to mould and, because of these, can often be found flying around damp homes. If your home is attracting flies but you cannot see any obvious signs of mould it might be worth checking the basement for any sign of damp as this could be the root cause.

Can Pincher Bugs Drown?

Each morning, remove the earwigs from the sections and dispose of them in a bathtub of soapy water. When you’re ready to give earwigs a scent, fill a small container with olive oil and soy sauce. The pincher bugs will become trapped and drown as a result of the oil.

Can Earwigs Swim In Water?

Earwigs that live on the coast typically dig burrows into moist sand and eat other insects. Despite their proximity to water, maritime earwigs are unable to swim and do not enter the water.

Does Water Attract Pincher Bugs?

Pincher bugs prefer moist areas as a primary source of food. It’s ideal for living if the weather is either wet or damp. In the outdoor world, this could mean finding a spot beneath a log or a flower bed that is rotted; in the indoor world, this could mean hiding in your basement by the washing machine or in your wet towels.

Are Pincher Bugs Poisonous

When the pincers, or forceps, protrude from the abdomen, it appears to be a dangerous bug. It’s a common misconception. Earwigs, despite their ability to grasp onto fingers in agitated situations, do not sting or pose a danger. Earwigs are not poisonous because they lack venom.

Do Pincher Bugs Bite

Pincher bugs, also known as earwigs, are small insects that are known to pinch when they feel threatened. Although they are capable of biting, they are not known to cause any harm to humans.

Do Pincher Bugs Fly

There is much debate on whether or not pincher bugs can fly. Some say that they have seen pincher bugs fly, while others claim that they have never seen them fly. There are many videos on the internet of pincher bugs flying, but it is hard to tell if they are truly flying or if they are just jumping.

Does Moisture In Your Home Attract Bugs?

It’s highly evident that bugs go wherever there is even a hint of moisture. If your house has water leaks and that area of the house stays wet – especially with hardwood – it is likely to attract a ton of bugs like woodlice, ants, termites, etc. Bugs that are comfortable with wood will be particularly interested in eating a wet piece of wood. The moisture locked up in wood softens it, making it easier to chew and grow on. Bugs can also rely on wood as a source of water and moisture, which boosts their growth.

What Causes Moisture In Your Home?

The formation of excess moisture in homes is due condensation. This happens when warm and humid air gets in contact with a cool outer surface. Other household activities like cooking, washing, and bathing trap a lot of moisture in the house. Some appliances like microwaves, AC units, heaters, unvented natural gas, and kerosene models also increase the moisture level inside and outside your home.

How to kill silverfish?

For silverfish, use a killing spray that leaves a residue. Centipedes are difficult; try ‘stunning' them with a rolled-up newspaper, catch them in a jar and set them free outdoors. Earwigs require a toxic spray, but you can also prevent them from entering by keeping rotting trees and vegetation away from your home. Roly polys prefer moisture to anything, so ridding moisture from the basement is your best bet. Mold mites are tricky, but in the end, you need to remove the mold to kill the mites and prevent recurrence of the infestation.

What are the mites in my basement?

Mold mites. Also known as cheese mites, if your basement has a moisture problem, mold growth is probable, which attracts mold mites. They are incredibly tiny and feed off mold, including cheese.

What are the little bugs that go by the name pill bug?

Roly-poly Bugs - These fun little insects also go by the name pill bug, sow bug, potato bug, and armadillo bug. The roly-poly name comes from its ability to roll into a ball when threatened. They tend to infest damp basements in droves when the air outside is dry.

What is a silverfish?

Silverfish or Fish Moths - are silver-grey in color and average one inch in length. They're nocturnal, meaning active at night, and frequently discovered in the shower in the morning. Silverfish are attracted to carbohydrates such as sugar and starches as well as messy rooms with piles of clothes in boxes or on the floor.

How many feet are centipedes?

Centipedes - centipede, literally meaning 100 feet, have, on average, 100 feet with some outliers. They are carnivorous, eating meet with tiny jaws and are attracted to messy rooms, or basements. While they can consume vegetation, it is a non-crucial part of their diet.

Where do earwigs come from?

Earwigs - earwigs are attracted not to your ears, but to rotting trees and other vegetation as well as your damp basement. Earwigs were introduced to North America in 1907 from Europe and are now most common in southern and southwestern states. They are also nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on other insects and plants.

Do bugs exist in the basement?

Bugs, insects, little creepy-crawlies, they're all a fact of life. No matter where you go or where you live there are bugs. Insects have a natural reason for being where they are and doing what they do, and many of them are beneficial to their environment, like spiders who will attack and eat the unwanted bugs. But if you're finding an incredible number of insects creeping in the shadows of your basement, you might be ready to get rid of them.

Why Are Bugs Attracted to Moisture?

While a few species are attracted to moisture for other reasons, it’s typically because they need to draw moisture from their surroundings in order to survive. Not only are insects attracted to damp areas inside the home, but they can often be found in wet areas around the outside of homes as well.

What to do if you find roaches in your house?

If you’re finding roaches around your home or even find evidence of them, you will definitely want to hire cockroach extermination before the problem gets out of hand. Earwigs. If you’re finding earwigs in or around your home, it’s likely they’ve formed a colony nearby.

What bugs like water?

Although nearly every insect species needs some source of moisture to survive, here are a few common species to watch out for. Cockroaches. Roaches love damp environments. Even if you’re home is sparkling clean, cockroaches may be present due to pipe leaks or other reasons.

Why do silver bugs make nests?

They typically nest in moist mulch or leaves, but they can make nests inside your home if there is a moist area with some clutter for them to hide in. They’re one of the most common humidity bugs because they seem to be constantly thirsty. These silver pests need high levels of humidity to survive.

Why do termites like moist wood?

Termites. Wood-boring bugs like termites are attracted to homes with moist wood because it’s easier to chew than dry wood. This is why it’s important to eliminate any water leaks or moisture buildups that you’re aware of. If you use firewood, make sure to store it as far away from the house as possible in case there are termites inside.

How to prevent insects from entering your home?

There are a few measures you can take to prevent insects seeking moisture from entering your home. For one, it’s important to seal all cracks and other potential entry points to your home. Bugs like earwigs and ants can fit into the tiniest of cracks, so you’ll need to perform a thorough search. Additionally, make sure to eliminate all sources of moisture in your home (this can be done using a dehumidifier). Make sure to check any hidden areas that could be at risk.

Why are insects attracted to humid areas?

This is why they are often attracted to humid areas – a leading cause of insect infestations in homes is due to humidity issues. While there are thousands of species that are attracted to water, there are a few pesky types that are more likely to be found inside homes.

Why Do Insects Love Basements?

Like many other pests and rodents, bugs are drawn to cool, dark, and wet environments with a consistent food source. Most basements are ideal for this! The moist, cold environment gives bugs a place to hide and probably an unending supply of other bugs to eat.

Darkness Helps Bugs To Move Around Freely

Being timid is a strategy for bugs to survive. They rely on hiding spots to protect themselves from predators and other pests with which they compete for food and mate opportunities. Most pests will take every precaution to prevent being exposed in the open, especially while mating or laying eggs.

Pests Like The Moist Produced In The Basement

Pests are living organisms just like everyone else, and they all need water to survive. Although they don’t need much, bugs and rodents still need to locate food. The basement tends to produce more moisture than other portions of the house, and it’s not as visible as those areas. Typically, it’s chilly and gloomy.

Bugs Seek Warmth Places During Wintertime

While it’s true that most bugs get into the basement because they love cool environments, they cannot stand extreme winter cold. Like other living creatures, bugs can die when it’s freezing outside. This implies that they seek warmth as if their lives depended on it. Pests will discover any heat leaks inside your house.

How To Get Rid Of Bugs & Insects At The Basement

Here are some helpful tips for controlling a basement bug infestation:

Should I Contact A Phoenix Pest Control Company?

It’s always best to contact the experts when dealing with a bug infestation. Even if you see only a few insects at home, you should still contact a pest company to avoid the worst-case scenario.

Gary Dobert

Gary is the co-owner of Varsity Termite and Pest Control, a family owned and operated company in Arizona with over 21 years of experience. They specialize in termite and scorpion control services.

Are insects attracted to moisture?

Many insects are attracted to moisture, including ants, termites, cockroaches, and flies.

How do you get rid of moisture bugs?

To remove moisture bugs, you need to get rid of the moisture that they are feeding on. If you have a problem with them in your home, you need to find the source of the moisture and fix it. This could be a leaky pipe, a humidifier, or a wet area in your home. Once you have found the source of the moisture, you need to dry it out.

What do damp mites look like?

Damp mites are small, ovular creatures that are typically white or cream-colored. They are related to spiders and ticks, and are known to infest damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Damp mites are not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope.

How do I know if I have mold mites?

Mold mites are often difficult to detect because they are very small (less than 1 mm) and usually only visible under a microscope. However, there are a few signs that may indicate the presence of mold mites:

What kills mold mites instantly?

Swarmers and reproductive forms of mold mites are killed by standard insecticide sprays.

What causes water bugs in your house?

They could be coming in from the outside through cracks in the foundation or openings around doors and windows. Once inside, they could be living in damp areas such as basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. Water bugs might also be attracted to sources of food and shelter, such as kitchens and food storage areas.

How are water bugs getting in my house?

Water bugs are typically getting into your house through small cracks and crevices near areas of high moisture, such as near your sink, bathtub, or other water sources.

Where do earwigs come from?

The European earwig ( Forficula auricularia) are a common pest in North America. The first (and honestly, probably last) thing you’ll notice about earwigs are the big pincers on their butts. The ⅝ inch-long, thin brown bug has a pair of prominent, forcep-like pincers. They also have dark brown bodies with orange appendages and segmented antennae. Earwigs usually burrow into topsoil outside, but they’ve been known to infiltrate dark and humid areas of homes. Like the other bugs on this list, earwigs are attracted to dark, warm, and humid places. They usually attempt to find secluded locations where they can hide during the day, and come out at night. You’ll likely find them around floor drains, bathrooms, or under rugs or furniture. Earwigs usually fall into homes through low cracks and crevices around the basement level. Look for these cracks around window wells, baseboard, and other frames. Make sure you also control humidity and eliminate sources of moisture. Moisture problems are easy to overlook, but they’re also easy to fix. Invest in a dehumidifier, fix leaks, patch up drafts, and replace old weatherstripping. You’ll be surprised what a difference a few small projects can make! Whether you need help pest-proofing your home or driving out infestations, give Plunkett’s a call any time. We’re ready to make sure the pests around your home go thirsty.

How many pairs of legs does a centipede have?

Centipedes. House centipedes ( Scutigera coleoptrata) are 1 to 1½ inch arthropods with up to 15 pairs of long, long legs. House centipedes’ bodies are a tan or dirty yellow, and their legs have bands of light and dark coloration. Like silverfish, centipedes are very quick and often move erratically. Like many of the pests on this list, house ...

How many legs does a silverfish have?

They have six legs, long antennae, and three long, tail-like bristles sticking out of their posteriors prominently. They’re known for their quick, darting movements that look similar to swimming, hence the “fish” moniker. Silverfish also possess scale-like segmented body parts. Silverfish prefer hot, wet places.

What are earwigs attracted to?

Like the other bugs on this list, earwigs are attracted to dark, warm, and humid places.

What is the most common roach in North America?

The German cockroach ( Blattela germanica) is by far the most common roach species infesting homes in North America. German cockroaches are ½ to ⅝ inches long, with light brown or tan bodies, six legs, and long antennae. Roaches are attracted to warm and humid places.

Do centipedes need to rehydrate?

Without that cuticle, they can’t effectively preserve their body moisture for long periods of time. They need to rehydrate constantly, or their bodies will dry out and they’ll die. Consequently, house centipedes are very attracted to moist, humid parts of your home.

Is moisture a motivator for pests?

In fact, for many pest bugs, finding moisture is as powerful a motivator as finding food. If you have chronic pest problems and can’t understand why, there’s a good chance excess moisture is your issue. Moisture and humidity issues are easy to overlook, and they’ll bring in pests just as reliably as food sources.

Does Mold Attract Bugs and other Pests?

It’s appropriate to wonder, therefore, if mold and bugs are related. Well, they are. Mold — and the environment that fosters it — attracts bugs of many forms.

How can moisture get into a house?

Moisture can get into your house through a variety of means: leaky roofs, leaky pipes, unventilated bathrooms, spills, drafts, and your crawl space, to name a few. To reduce moisture, you will have to contact the professional who can address its ...

Why do termites like mold?

While we might not like these smells, bugs do. Termites are one such bug attracted to mold smells. Because mold breaks down wood, it makes it easier for the termites to tunnel. Termites return the favor, of course, by providing mold more areas in which to grow — deeper into the wood.

Why do bugs and mold grow in the same environment?

Mold and bugs are attracted to the same environment, one with warmth and high levels of moisture. Mold needs at least an approximate 70 percent relative humidity to begin growing at temperatures as low as 60 degrees. And some insect species, such as camel crickets, centipedes, and cockroaches, require a lot of water. That’s why they seek out damp environments in homes and other buildings. The more moisture you have, the more of these insects you’re likely to find. Moisture likewise attracts subterranean termites, which feed on wooden supports.

What do bugs need to survive?

Bugs need more than moisture to survive, however. They need food, and mold is one source of nutrition. Many bugs feed on mold and decomposing matter. Booklice, for example, often inhabit moldy books. Fungus gnats and mold mites are two other pests closely associated with mold. Cockroaches, camel crickets, slugs, ...

Why are slugs attracted to mold?

They’re attracted to the organic matter that mold helps break down and decompose.

Do bugs disappear with mold?

Bugs will likely disappear once you deal with the mold and moisture. However, if an infestation is severe, or if your home now houses carpenter ants or termites, you’ll need a local pest control specialist to exterminate them. For wide-spread mold growth, you will have to call a remediation or disaster specialist, such as PuroClean. ...