Pests live almost everywhere in the World and thrive in almost any environment. That being said, certain pests do prefer some places more than others. For example, many pests thrive in damp areas which are dark and moist. What’s more, there are some pests that can really only live in areas which are damp. In this post, we will look at some of these pests and what makes them tick.

What types of pest thrive in damp conditions?

Pests that enjoy living hidden away in moist environments include species such as cockroaches, silverfish, woodlice, earwigs, mosquitos, ants and spiders. The reason these pests live in these areas is because they need water to survive. Unlike us, pests cannot simply turn on a tap when thirsty. For them, finding a source of water is often actually quite difficult. This is especially true for pests that inhabit a home or business.

In these human-made dwellings, much of the time pests get water where a water outlet was recently run. A good example of this is basins and showers. In addition to this, they may also get water from the toilet bowl. This is why you should always leave your toilet lid down.

Now, this source of water isn’t always available. Which is why they settle for the next best option – damp areas. What you also have to understand is that most pests require humidity to survive. If the environment is too dry, they quickly die. This is another reason why pests thrive in damp. This is why you’ll most often see pests in places like bathrooms, kitchens, basements and laundry rooms.

Pests affect businesses and residential homes alike

These pests are not picky. They will invade anywhere with a readily available source of food, water and shelter. And, as such, the exact opposite is also true. Pests are repelled from areas where they do not find comfortable. This includes areas that are dry, well lit, and do not have a source of food. Think about it: if these types of pests thrive in moisture and wet conditions, then the easiest way to get rid of them is by removing moisture.

Dampness is caused when there is too much moisture in the air, and it cannot escape. The easiest way to solve this problem then, is by making sure your home or business is well ventilated. Damp is also caused by leaking pipes and dripping taps, so check up on these items regularly. Another cause of damp is rain coming in from outside, due to a damaged roof or window frames.