The onset of the fall and winter seasons mean a decrease in many common insects, but not all bugs go away as the temperatures drop. Some critters find your home a very attractive place to inhabit and stay warm, with the basement being their prime target. Let’s look at how this happens and how to ensure pests and critters don’t invade your holiday gatherings.
Where Do Bugs Come from in the Basement?
That question actually combines two aspects – how pests get into your basement and why they like to hide out there. Bugs entering directly to the basement can happen through a foundation crack or similar opening. Drain flies can come up from the sewer, either through a sink or floor drain.
More commonly, critters will get in through above-ground openings like broken windows, holes in screens, and gaps around pipes, conduits, or cables. For four-legged critters… attics, ventilation fan openings, roof vents, and such can also provide access to them (as well as insects). Insects can also hitch a ride into your house through boxes or even take advantage of open doors and windows without screens.
As for why pests are more inclined to take up residence in your basement once they get into your home, that’s because it provides the perfect environment for insects and rodents. It’s dark, cool without being cold, has water and food sources, and is often damp – which some prefer.
Is It Normal for Basements to Have Bugs?
“Normal” is the wrong word – ideally, your home shouldn’t have any bugs or pests – but it is common. The combination of darkness, dampness, a food source, and water make your basement very attractive to pests.
The other reason why basements are so appealing to pests is that it’s quiet and frequently undisturbed. While pests can end up anywhere in your house, the quiet locations where they can nest undisturbed are far safer for them than a more active area… like the living room.
How Do I Get Rid of Bugs in my Basement?
Obviously, calling our team at Arrow Exterminating can help and, if it’s a serious infestation, that might be essential. There are a few ways your home may be accidentally signaling to pests that they are welcome.
Some of the most common pests found in a basement are:
- Spiders
- Centipedes
- Cockroaches
- Camel crickets
- Rodents
Clearing clutter in your home is important, so they don’t have a place to hide. Removing food sources – or at least making sure they are kept in tightly sealed containers that can’t be chewed through – is also important.
Fix any drips to remove water sources. If you have a floor drain, you may want to cover that as well. A dehumidifier can also be extremely beneficial by removing the dampness insects love.
If you find any gaps around pipes, wiring, or cables entering your home, seal it with caulk or stuff the gap with steel wool – depending upon the size of the opening. Also, dust and clean your basement regularly.
Arrow Can Handle All of your Pest Concerns
Whether bugs or rodents, if you have a problem, call our team at Arrow. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you live in a critter-free home. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
