Living with bugs in your home can be annoying at best and downright unhygienic at worst. But some bugs absolutely thrive in damp, humid conditions. If parts of your home tend to be on the moist side, you may find yourself playing host to these unwanted moisture-loving guests.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 12 bugs that love moisture and how you can banish them from your living space for good Read on to learn more about these damp dwellers and what you can do to evict them!
Why Moisture Attracts Bugs
Before we get into the specific bugs, it helps to understand exactly why moisture draws insects in. There are a few key reasons dampness appeals to many creepy crawlies:
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Source of food. Mold, mildew, fungi and decaying organic matter thrive in moisture. Many bugs feed on these substances.
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Favorable climate Just like us, bugs need the right temperature and humidity levels to survive For species adapted to damp conditions, moisture provides an ideal microclimate.
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Shelter. Wet corners, leaky pipes and dank basements provide hiding spots and harborage away from light and predators.
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Breeding ground. Lots of bugs lay their eggs in damp substrates, organic matter or standing water. Moisture allows their offspring to hatch and develop.
So if you have leaks, flooding, condensation issues or just generally humid conditions in your home, it can create the perfect bug haven. Time to take action!
12 Common Household Bugs That Love Moisture
Here are 12 of the most notorious moisture-loving bugs that invade homes:
1. Silverfish
Silverfish are creepy-crawly insects with a minnow-like appearance and rapid, darting movements. They thrive in cool, humid spots like basements, bathrooms, kitchens and anywhere with leaks or water damage. Silverfish use their chewing mouthparts to feed on substances containing carbohydrates, such as paper, photos, wallpaper glue, silk and cotton.
To get rid of silverfish: Fix any leaks, improve ventilation and reduce humidity. Apply low-toxicity insecticide dusts in infested areas. Dehumidify basements and use pheromone traps and diatomaceous earth. Seal up cracks and crevices.
2. Centipedes
House centipedes have elongated, segmented bodies with 15+ pairs of legs. They seek out damp hiding spots in basements, under sinks, behind appliances and in bathrooms. Centipedes hunt soft-bodied prey like insects and spiders. Their presence usually indicates excess moisture.
To get rid of centipedes: Lower humidity levels, repair leaks and improve ventilation. Apply low-toxicity insecticidal dusts in infested areas. Install dehumidifiers, fans or ventilation systems. Caulk and seal entry points. Use sticky traps or insecticide sprays as needed.
3. Booklice
Booklice are tiny, wingless insects under 1/10 inch long. They infest moldy books (thus their name) but also feed on fungus and mold growing in damp areas. Too much moisture causes booklice populations to spike. They leave behind grains of brown feces and shedded skins.
To get rid of booklice: Fix all moisture issues. Direct fans to dry out problem areas and open windows. Wipe away mold and mildew, and thoroughly clean infested areas. Use low-toxicity insecticidal dusts or desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth.
4. Springtails
Springtails are very small insects (under 1/8 inch long) that get their name from their ability to catapult themselves into the air. Excessive moisture from leaks, condensation, poor drainage or heavy rains can cause springtails to migrate inside. They don’t bite but can be a nuisance.
To get rid of springtails: Correct moisture problems at the source. Improve airflow with fans, vents and dehumidifiers. Cut off outdoor access by sealing cracks, holes and other openings. Apply desiccant dusts in problem areas. Install vapor barriers and rain gutters.
5. Fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny dark flies often seen buzzing around moldy surfaces or houseplants. They lay eggs in moist organic matter, and their larvae feed on fungi, algae and plant roots. Too much moisture causes their populations to soar.
To get rid of fungus gnats: Fix moisture issues and repot any overwatered plants. Let plants dry out between waterings. Use insecticidal soaps or mosquito dunks containing Bti in infested plant soil. Install sticky traps. Improve drainage and ventilation.
6. Slugs
Slugs are soft-bodied gastropods that leave behind telltale slime trails. They need moisture to survive and enter homes through cracks, vents and under doors. Slugs are most active at night when they come out to feed on plants. Salt, coffee grounds or eggshell barriers can help deter outdoor slugs.
To get rid of slugs: Seal up any entry points, improve drainage near your home’s foundation and remove outdoor hiding spots like piles of wood or mulch. Create drier conditions indoors with fans, dehumidifiers and ventilation. Hand pick slugs as they appear.
7. Millipedes
Millipedes are arthropods with long cylindrical bodies and many legs. They favor dark, moist environments and feed on decaying plant matter. Outdoor millipedes may migrate inside through foundation cracks and vents during rainy periods or if conditions outdoors become excessively wet.
To get rid of millipedes: Fix all sources of moisture ingress, improve drainage near your home’s foundation and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home. Seal up cracks, install door sweeps and use dehumidifiers or fans to create a drier indoor environment. Apply insecticides labeled for millipedes as needed.
8. Earwigs
Earwigs are large insects easily identified by their pincer-like cerci on their abdomen. They seek out dark, damp areas in gardens, under potted plants, patio furniture, in basements and crawlspaces. Earwigs may come inside for food sources when outdoor conditions are wet.
To get rid of earwigs: Clear piled debris like sticks and leaves from around your home’s exterior. Remove ivy, mulch and other moist hiding spots near your foundation. Caulk cracks, install door sweeps and repair leaks. Create drier conditions inside with dehumidifiers and fans. Use sticky traps or insecticides to deal with infestations.
9. Pillbugs
Pillbugs are small gray crustaceans that can roll up into a ball for protection. Moisture helps them thrive, so they congregate in damp mulch, soil, compost piles, gardens, under boards and in musty basements or crawlspaces. Excessive outdoor moisture may drive pillbugs indoors.
To get rid of pillbugs: Fix outdoor moisture problems like standing water, poor drainage or overwatering. Remove leaf litter and other decaying matter near your home’s foundation. Install gutters, downspouts and vapor barriers to keep moisture at bay. Caulk up cracks pillbugs can creep through. Apply insecticides to control severe infestations.
10. Drain flies
Drain flies, also called moth flies, breed in moist, gunky buildup inside drains or around pipes. They emerge as small fuzzy flies that hover erratically near drains. Drain fly infestations often indicate a problem with condensation, leaks or waste accumulation in pipes.
To get rid of drain flies: Clean out drains and pipes to remove organic buildup. Fix any leaks. Pour boiling water or liquid drain cleaner down infested drains. Install drain screens. Improve ventilation to combat condensation. Insecticides labeled for drain flies can provide control when combined with sanitation.
11. Mold mites
Mold mites are tiny white mites associated with excess dampness and mold growth. They graze and reproduce on mold hyphae and spores. Mold mites by themselves are harmless, but mold poses health hazards to humans. Moisture issues like water leaks, humidity and condensation attract mold mites.
To get rid of mold mites: Fix underlying moisture issues. Thoroughly clean moldy surfaces with detergent, or use bleach on non-porous surfaces (don’t mix bleach and ammonia). Improve air circulation. Dehumidify to maintain indoor humidity under 50%. Prevent condensation buildup. Desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth can help dry out moldy areas.
12. Cockroaches
Cockroaches prefer warm, humid habitats like steamy kitchens and bathrooms. Leaks, dried out drain traps, condensation and humidity allow roaches to thrive. They can reproduce rapidly in ideal damp conditions. Cockroaches contaminate food and spreads bacteria and allergens.
To get rid of cockroaches: Fix all plumbing leaks. Clean countertops, stoves, under appliances and cluttered areas where roaches hide. Install dehumidifiers and exhaust fans. Use boric acid and gel baits in infested locations (avoid spraying insecticides which can scatter roaches). Eliminate water and food sources.
Take Action Against Moisture-Loving Home Invaders
As you can see, excess moisture clearly acts like a bug magnet, attracting an array of unwelcome critters. The key is to:
- Identify and eliminate all moisture sources, leaks, condensation and drainage issues
- Improve ventilation, air circulation and use dehumidifiers
- Clean up mold, mildew and organic buildup
- Seal cracks, crevices and openings bugs exploit to enter
- Apply targeted insecticides or desiccant dusts where needed
By taking active steps to banish moisture and make your home less hospitable to damp-loving bugs, you can solve frustrating infestations and keep your living space free of insects. No one wants these creepy crawlers capitalizing on leaks and humidity in your house! Stay vigilant, address moisture issues promptly, and avoid giving free room and board to moisture-loving bugs.
What to do About Pests that Love Moisture
Many scenarios play a hand in increasing the moisture levels within your home — storms, flooding, pipe leaks, and so on! While this not only leads to issues such as mold and mildew growth, it can also cause pest infestations. In the insect world, there are many types of pests that love — nay, thrive off of moisture and humid environments. Which is why Charlotte and the surrounding areas are home to a lot of these pests.
The Common Sources of Moisture Around Your Home
Moisture-loving pests are attracted to your home for a number of reasons. They may use the moisture as a resource for water and breeding, or they may require a high level of humidity to live comfortably. Either way, it’s important to reduce the amount of moisture and humidity levels in and around your home to avoid unwanted pests. Below are the most common sources of moisture around your home that attract moisture-loving pests.
Roof leaks, HVAC system leaks, and wildlife damage can bring wet conditions inside of your attic. Insulation is meant to protect the livable parts of your home from the elements, but when wet, attic insulation can’t do its job properly. If you begin to notice condensation in the lower parts of your home – moisture in your attic is likely the culprit. While the insulation prevents moisture build-up, once it’s wet, it’s no longer effective. This can be just the beginning of a complicated cycle. Proper attic insulation is crucial to help manage moisture levels inside of your home, as well as deter pests that love moisture from finding ideal living conditions inside of your home. Keep your attic’s insulation in tip-top shape by understanding the importance of insulation in the first place and by performing regular inspections of the space.
Crawl spaces are highly susceptible to moisture problems since they’re often located underground. Flooding, rain, or pipe and HVAC leaks are common causes of moisture intrusion in crawl spaces. In addition, the clay-heavy soil you find in the Carolinas retains high levels of moisture, making the problem even worse. Encapsulating your crawl space will help with keeping moisture levels low to deter pests that love moisture. Like the name suggests, crawl space encapsulation literally seals, or encapsulates, your crawl space. This process significantly reduces the chances of flooding, fungal growth, and wood rot — which attracts termites.
Water damage often leads to heightened pest problems after storms. Not only does wet weather affect the spaces inside of your home, as you now know with the attic and crawl space, but it encourages pests to seek shelter in your home. While you can’t stop the weather, you can protect your home from pest invasions before a storm comes rolling in. Take the time to look through every room and area of your home for any openings that wandering pests could crawl into while trying to escape bad weather. Be sure to fix and seal any openings or crevices caused by damage so that pests and wildlife aren’t able to find their way inside.
We’ve mentioned pipe leaks many times, but it’s an extremely common issue that most homeowners don’t think much about until there’s a much larger problem at hand. Pests that love moisture can find water from what seems like a million miles away. Don’t give pests any reason to want to come into your home. Address these leaks immediately!
Water features such as birdbaths, ponds, or natural swimming pools are beautiful to look at and create a relaxing outdoor experience. But these environments are the ultimate breeding ground for many types of pests! Mosquitoes are a great example of a nuisance pest that loves water. We’re not saying you have to get rid of your swimming pool, but we recommend adding a water fountain or some sort of component that will move the water. Stagnant water is attractive to pests, but a strong current is less likely to attract them. Related: Is There Fungal Growth in Your Crawl Space?
What kills water bugs instantly?
FAQ
How do you get rid of moisture bugs?
- Insecticide with acetamiprid, which kills the bugs through ingestion of the producto.
- Locate the nests and dust them with boric acid, which is harmless to humans.
- Spray the nests with ethyl alcohol, vinegar, or citric acids.
How do you get rid of damp bugs?
Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and dry areas prone to dampness, such as the bathroom, basement, kitchen, and laundry room. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices where mites like to hide. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated.
What type of bugs like moisture?
Mosquitoes, termites, roaches, earwigs, silverfish, and pill bugs are just a few pests that thrive in moist environments.
Are moisture bugs bad?
Health problems caused by moisture bugs
Common health problems include: Allergies: moisture bugs can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Respiratory problems: prolonged exposure can cause asthma and other respiratory diseases.
What are moisture bugs and flies?
Moisture in the house attracts many small insects and flies, commonly known as damp bugs or moisture bugs. These bugs feed on molds and mildew that form on moist surfaces and can multiply quickly, leading to infestations.
What causes large and hard bumps due to mosquito bites?
Large and hard bumps from mosquito bites are often caused by a reaction to the mosquito’s saliva. The immune system’s response can lead to swelling, redness, and itching. Scratching the bites can worsen the reaction. Applying a cold compress and anti-itch creams can help. If the bumps are especially large, painful, or causing significant discomfort, or if there’s a concern about infection, consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Where do moisture bugs live?
Moisture bugs live in environments with low light and high humidity levels. We tell you more below, thanks to being one of the references of the companies specialized in humidity: Its scientific name is Lepisma Saccharina or Flour Lepisma.
What do moisture bugs hide in?
The moisture bugs hide in the crevices on the walls and floors of your bathroom, basement, kitchen walls, and floors. Caulk the gaps in these areas to get rid of them. Many flying bugs use open windows to get inside your home in the spring and summer seasons. Use window screens with fine mesh to prevent flying bugs from getting inside your home.
Do moisture Bugs cause health problems?
Common health problems include: Allergies: moisture bugs can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Respiratory problems: prolonged exposure can cause asthma and other respiratory diseases. Infections: some insects can transmit pathogens that cause infections in the skin and other tissues.
What do moisture bugs eat?
Moisture bugs, also known as damp bugs, primarily feed on the molds and mildew that form on moist surfaces. These bugs multiply quickly and can cause infestations in homes. This guide covers 15 tiny moisture bugs that are attracted to moisture and humidity.