Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - do bugs eat mortar?

i have found in my basement, around a brick column, sand piling up at the base, with a lot of dead bugs. I always referred to these bugs as "potato bugs". They are small, maybe 1 cm long(3/8 inch), and when you touch them, they curl up into a ball. They look like tiny armidillos. Do they eat mortar? Is there a bug that does eat mortar? Thanks for your consideration.

I doubt there are any bugs that 'eat' mortar, but I'm sure there are bugs that will remove soft mortar as a means of entrance to your home :eek:

These are called "Sow" bugs, and like Marksr said, they don't eat mortar. It's unlikely the sow bugs moved sand or pieces of mortar - but they will use the channels created by other insects to gain entry. They are attracted to dark, moisture, and wood. It's possible that ants may have at one time tunneled from under the column and created channels for other critters.

I would consider using a shop-vac to clean up the sand and underlying crack and seal it with mortar caulking.

thanks for the info. I was skeptical of the idea, but I thought it might be possible.... :)

YES they DO eat mortor,,, They eat the lime out of the mortor ,(THE REST IS JUST RELEASED OUT THE BACKDOOR)
THIS CAN BECOME QUITE A PROBLEM IF THIS IS LEFT UNATTENDED



protect your home call in a pest person

I have seen small bugs, about 1/4" long, burrow small holes into mortar between bricks on the inside corners of my house. Fortunately, it rarely happens, and I spray the corners with success. I am certain the insects did not simply nest in existing holes because I inspect my house frequently.

Anyway, when I mentioned it to an exterminator, he had never heard of such an insect.