Have you noticed increased activity around your basement lately? There could be dangerous spiders lurking around your basement.
Bugs need food and shelter as much as we do. That’s why they find their way inside, looking for an ideal place to stay.
It would be best to share your basement with these common bugs as much as you don’t want to. Some spiders and bugs can cause you harm, so you must know how to identify them.
Read on as we help you identify the top basement bugs.
Spiders
Many homeowners are not aware of the typical basement bugs that can attract spiders. These include household clutter, cardboard boxes, newspaper, and magazines. Additionally, spiders love cool, dark, and damp environments.
Poorly ventilated basement pests are an ideal habitat for spiders plus the insects they hunt—consequently, house owners are self-inflicting the spiders by providing these conditions. To eliminate spiders and prevent their return, house owners must minimize clutter and improve basement ventilation.
The best way to reduce the risk of spiders in the basement is to ensure the area is clean and free of rotten wood or vegetation. Regular vacuuming and sweeping can eliminate spider webs and eggs and slow future infestations.
Cockroaches
They infest homes for food and water, and unclean environments attract them. They thrive in damp and warm areas, so wet basements are ideal. They may also come in through open windows, drains, cracks, or doors.
They feed on various foods and can also eat paper and clothes. To prevent infestation, ensure all food is stored correctly and clean up any crumbs.
As cockroaches are attracted by moisture, it’s essential to address any basement leaks or water drainage problems. Removing clutter and reducing dampness will also help to deter them.
Woodlouse
Woodlice feed on damp, decaying materials like dead leaves and fungi, attracting them to damp, dark places such as basements. Woodlice need humidity to survive, usually over 75%, and if the humidity gets too low, they will begin to die off.
Furthermore, extra moisture is needed to breed. Woodlice can be an annoyance as they will often come into homes looking for these conditions, and as they are nocturnal, they are more active at night. Woodlice usually only hide if the temperature outdoors is too hot or too cold, so these creatures can still be found in a basement during the winter.
Prevention of woodlice in the basement includes sealing up any cracks or crevices in walls, floors, and foundations to prevent moisture from entering and providing them a place to hide.
Camel Cricket
They have segmented antennae and large jumping hind legs; adults range from ½ – 1 ¼ inches in length. Camel crickets thrive in cool, damp, and dimly-lit areas like basements. They feed on organic matter, including fabric, paper, and stored food items.
Excess moisture and clutter provide ideal conditions for these pests to thrive. It reduces dampness, and cleaning up cluttered areas can help discourage their presence.
Homeowners should seal cracks and entry points, like doors and storm windows. This is to prevent camel crickets from entering a home.
Termites
Termites are attracted to moist, dark, and quiet spaces, and basements provide a perfect environment to thrive. Termites feed on dead, decaying wood and other organic materials frequently found in basement environments.
Small, slow-moving insects can be difficult to spot until a significant infestation occurs. In addition to moisture in the basement, termites can be attracted to ceilings, walls, window frames, and even furniture if it contains wood or other fibrous materials.
To prevent a termite infestation, homeowners should ensure that basements are always kept dry and have a pest professional inspect the area regularly.
Silverfish
These slimy creatures can reproduce quickly and enter homes and basements for food and moisture. Silverfish are attracted to starches, such as flour and cereals, and feed on books, wallpaper, and fabrics.
They are especially drawn to damp and poorly ventilated basements. They can survive on the moisture found in these environments. If a silverfish invasion has occurred, it is essential to act quickly and clean up any sources of food or water that may have attracted them.
Earwigs
Earwigs are scavengers, feeding on dead organic matter, such as plants, molds, and mildew. They also provide living plant material and plant juices. They are attracted to dark, damp spaces and can often be found in large groups.
Proper hygiene and moist moving air help to reduce and prevent earwig infestations. Most populations enter a home through cracks around the door and window frames. They can easily migrate through poorly sealed sewer lines, air conditioner drains, and plumbing fixtures.
Centipedes And Millipedes
These bugs feed on other small insects, earning them the nickname “household predators.” They scavenge for food in secluded, moist areas typically found in basements. They are attracted to moisture, humidity, and decaying organic material.
Centipedes and millipedes also seek shelter and cover, which is usually easy to find in a damp, dark basement or crawl space. They often remain hidden among piles of boxes or clothes in the basement.
Homeowners can limit the number of centipedes and millipedes by controlling the moisture and humidity levels in the basement. If you have a significant infestation, call a professional pest control service and check more about pest control cost when it comes to this kind of infestation.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs feed off human and animal blood and can be difficult to remove once they have arrived. They are usually brown and have a flat, oval-shaped body, often found in dark and hard-to-reach areas such as cracks and crevices. Bedbugs are attracted to warm places with easy access to a food source.
Bright lights, clutter, and an open crack or crevice are all attractive targets for pests. Bedbugs can also be found in mattresses and surfaces, hot and cushioned ones where people and animals are likely to spend extended periods. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help minimize the risk of inviting bedbugs into your basement.
Get Rid of Basement Bugs
Overall, basement bugs are not just an inconvenience. They can present a severe health hazard. It is essential to know how to recognize these pests, get rid of them, and prevent them from returning.
Take action now to protect your home and family. Invest in preventive measures or contact a professional pest control service if you experience a significant infestation.
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