One of the difficulties with basement spaces is their tendency to attract unwanted guests. The often cooler temperatures, easy access, dark corners, and humidity and dampness offers an open invitation to all sorts of bugs and vermin. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid these messy and inconvenient basement infestations.
When it comes to bug infestations, it’s important to know what to look for and what types of bugs may be growing and thriving behind the scenes. Common bugs include subterranean termites, cockroaches, spiders, camel crickets, centipedes, sowbugs and pillbugs, and millipedes. These common types of bugs can cause various levels of harm. Termites can contribute to structural damage. Cockroaches breed rapidly and sometimes carry diseases. Most basement spiders are harmless, however, depending on where you live your basement could attract more poisonous varieties like black widows. In addition to bugs, basements often attract rodents like mice and squirrels. Rodents carry diseases and can also cause structural damage.
Clean Your Floors
One easy measure you can take to prevent basement infestations is routine floor cleaning. Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can quickly eradicate spider webs, mites, and other bugs congregating in small spaces and hidden corners. It is important to make sure your basement is dry, as damp air can attract insects. If you’re having trouble with the humidity, you can buy a humidifier and add fans for air circulation.
Remove Clutter
Cockroaches, spiders, and mice thrive in cramped and cluttered spaces. If your basement is used for storage, consider organizing your things with shelves to free up space on your floors. Mice love paper and cardboard, so it’s a good idea to remove cardboard boxes and switch to plastic containers instead.
Seal Up Entry Points
Bugs and vermin may have made a home in your basement because of drafts and poorly sealed cracks. Before winter arrives too heavily, investigate inside and outside your basement and seal up any entry points.
Another way bugs make their way into basements is through the drains. If you’re noticing a growing number of bugs in basement bathrooms or kitchens, it may be a good idea to call in a plumber to take a look at your pipes and drains.
Properly Store Food
It seems obvious, but bugs and rodents are attracted to food. If any food is stored in your basement, make sure it’s all properly sealed and put away.
