Basement Bugs And How To Get Rid Of Them

For many people, an insect infestation is their worst nightmare. Unfortunately, it’s also a reality for many homeowners with a basement. This is because these areas are known to provide resources that attract pests.

If the thought of bugs being present in your home is enough to make your skin crawl, don’t worry! At The Crack Guys, we can help you understand what conditions attract bugs and what steps you can take to prevent any infestations!

Common Types Of Basement Bugs

When it comes to your basement, it’s unlikely that any type of bug is a welcome guest. However, there are certain species of insects that are more likely to be a problem for your home than others.

Here are just a few examples of common pests you may find in your basement or its crawl space.

Ants

Ants are a common insect, and there are several different kinds of ants that can infest your crawl space. These types include black ants, carpenter ants, red ants and more!

The number of ants in your home can multiply fast — and if they are not taken care of, and they can start to infest your home.

Termites

Perhaps the most destructive kind of pest infestation, termites can severely damage the wooden structure of your home. This can be catastrophic to the safety and integrity of your basement and home, so it’s best to take care of any termite issues as soon as you suspect a problem.

Spiders

Though technically an arachnid, spiders are another example of outdoor creatures that you likely want to keep outside. While a few spiders in your crawl space is quite common, an infestation can lead to problems.

Because spiders usually eat other insects, a spider infestation is often a sign of another type of infestation. In addition, some spiders bite, which can be painful.

What Attracts Bugs To A Basement?

While different types of bugs may try to call your basement their home, they’re all attracted there for a similar reason — your basement is providing them with the resources they need.

Basements tend to be damp, dark and filled with debris, which is the preferred habitat for several kinds of insects. Below, we’ve broken down different factors that can attract insects to your home.

Lighting

Many different types of bugs are naturally attracted to places that are dark. This helps keep them hidden and provides them with shelter. If your basement isn’t used as frequently as the rest of the home, it’s likely that the lights tend to stay off. This combined with any clutter to create dark shadows provides bugs with the perfect lighting for their needs.

Access To Food

If bugs are able to maintain steady access to food in your basement, it’s more likely that they’ll want to stay there. This could mean traditional food that humans would eat. After all, if food containers aren’t tightly sealed, bugs can easily enter them.

However, bugs aren’t just limited to human food. For example, termites consume wood, which many basements have plenty of access to. Additionally, silverfish are known for eating paper products.

This means that if your basement is lined with wallpaper or provides storage for any books, a silverfish problem may be more likely.

Humidity

Damp and humid places tend to make great places for bugs to call home. If you’ve noticed that your basement feels muggy whenever you go down there, this is a warning sign that insects may be present.

How To Get Rid Of Basement Bugs

So your basement has bugs — now what? Luckily, there are solutions you can take to help drive these pests away. All you have to do is get rid of the resources they need. You can do this through the following steps:

• Keep the space organized, and limit clutter.
• Invest in a dehumidifier to lower the amount of moisture.
• Keep any food products sealed tightly.

While these are great places to start, you may find that your bug problem needs a more immediate solution. Contact an exterminator if you need fast action against an infestation.

You can also invest in a long-term solution by scheduling waterproofing basement services. At The Crack Guys, you can count on us to waterproof your space, which will limit the humidity and moisture that insects thrive in.

Bring Back The Quality Of Your Basement With The Crack Guys

If you find yourself with a pest problem in your basement, our reliable team at The Crack Guys is here to help! We can provide waterproofing services as well as offer reliable insight on how to keep your basement and crawl space in good condition!

Give us a call today to see how we can help!