It’s not a secret: certain types of insects like to hide in damp areas of your home. Think bathroom, kitchen or basement. It’s especially the case for old, poorly-insulated buildings with lots of cracks.
What are moisture bugs?
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The centipede
Also known as a millipede, the centipede is covered with a layer of wax, which explains its need for moisture. It moves very quickly, so quickly that it can be hard to catch. This insect has a long and flat body, and is on average between 1 and 1 and a half inches long. It feeds mainly on other insects such as flies, cockroaches, spiders and woodlice.
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The silverfish
These insects, shaped like a tiny carrot, are covered in silver scales, which is where they get their name from. They’re easily recognizable by their thin antennae located on their head and abdomen. An adult specimen can measure up to 12 mm long. They feed on moisture, dust, hair, starch, glue and dead insects.
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The woodlouse
Enemies of light, woodlice are crustaceans , not insects. They have a brown, black or gray shell, and are about 3/4 inch long. Its diet is mainly composed of organic matter (dead wood, dead animals, decomposing plants, etc.).
How to detect a high humidity level in your home?
Finding such visitors is usually a good indicator that your moisture levels are too high. However, many factors can be the cause of too damp an environment:
- A leak or a defect in the piping;
- Bad air flow of moisture-prone rooms (bathroom, kitchen, basement, closet, laundry room, etc.);
- Presence of humidity and rotten wood.
How to get rid of these moisture bugs?
The best solution to get rid of a moisture insect infestation remains first and foremost to lower the humidity levels in your home.
Here are some tips that could help you:
- Make sure to have proper ventilation in these rooms;
- Insulate cracks and other gaps from which insects could get inside your home;
- Check the plumbing;
- Get a dehumidifier;
- Regularly check humidity levels in your home.
If you notice an increased presence of one of these species, you can opt for an organic pesticide or powder made from boric acid or even diatomaceous earth. However, take into consideration the fact that some of these products can be harmful to your health and that you should use them according to an expert’s recommendations.
Know that to improve your chances of definitely and effectively eliminate the insect population, you can hire the services of Groupe Surprenant.
Groupe Surprenant is there to save the day!
At Groupe Surprenant, we operate in most industry sectors and have more than 50 years of experience in the field. We have the appropriate methods so that you may sleep with both eyes closed, without fearing to meet an undesirable guest in your home. Moisture bugs are quite common and can be easily eradicated by calling upon the right solutions.
