If you have a basement, you know that there is always the potential for bugs. These bugs can be anything from spiders to rodents, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of basement bugs that you may encounter, as well as what you should do if you find them.
Why Are Bugs Attracted to Your Basement?
There are a few reasons why bugs are attracted to your basement. One reason is that basements are usually dark and moist. And without proper ventilation, moisture can quickly build up, creating the perfect environment for bugs to thrive. Additionally, basements often contain a lot of stored food and other items that bugs are attracted to.
Another thing that attracts basement bugs is spaces that are messy and unorganized. If you have a lot of clutter in your basement, it provides bugs with hiding places and makes it harder to spot them. So, one way to help prevent basement bugs is to declutter and keep things clean and organized.
The Different Types of Basement Bugs
While you never want to have bugs in your house, most basement bugs are there to catch other pests or consume detritus and other gunk that accumulates in the darkest corners of your home. Here are some of the most common basement bugs that you may encounter:
Termites
These wood-eating pests are attracted to basements because they are dark and moist. These pests look a little bit like pale ants. However, they can do much more damage to your home.
One species of termites, called subterranean termites, nest underground. Because of this, these insects could easily stumble upon your basement while they are in search of food. If you have termites in your basement, it is important to call a professional immediately as they can quickly do a lot of damage to your home.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is a venomous spider that can be found in basement corners. These spiders are light brown and have a dark brown mark on their back. They are usually only about half an inch long, but they can pack a powerful punch.
While the bite of a brown recluse spider is not usually fatal, it can still cause a lot of pain and damage. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the venom can cause tissue damage.
Cockroaches
One of the most common basement bugs that you will encounter is the cockroach. Cockroaches are attracted to basements because they are dark and moist. Additionally, these insects are attracted to food. If you have a lot of stored food in your basement, it is more likely that you will encounter cockroaches.
Black Widow
The black widow spider is another venomous spider that can be found in basement corners. These spiders are black with a red mark on their back. They are usually only about half an inch long, but they can pack a powerful punch. Like the brown recluse spider, the bite of a black widow spider is not usually fatal. However, it can still cause a lot of pain and damage. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the venom can cause tissue damage.
House Centipede
The house centipede is a common basement bug that can be found in dark corners. These insects are usually gray or brown and have a lot of legs. While they may look scary, they are actually harmless to humans. House centipedes feed on other pests, so if you see one in your basement, it is a good sign that there are other pests present.
Silverfish
Silverfish are common basement bugs that can be found in dark, moist areas. These insects are silver or gray and have a fish-like appearance. They feed on paper and other materials, so if you see one in your basement, it is important to declutter and get rid of any stored items that they could be attracted to.
Phorid Flies
Phorid flies are small flies that are attracted to basements because they are dark and moist. These insects are often mistaken for fruit flies. However, they are much smaller. Phorid flies feed on decomposing matter, so if you see them in your basement, it is a good sign that there is something decaying present.
Millipedes
Millipedes, often known as “thousand-leggers,” are common throughout the United States. In autumn, millipedes congregate in large numbers. This is thought to be due to their natural hibernation instinct and the warmth of the weather and heavy rains forcing them out of their normal area. Because of this, you may find more millipedes in your basement during this time.
Pill Bugs
Pill bugs, also known as “rolly pollies,” are small insects that can be found in basement corners. These insects are dark gray or black and have a segmented body. Pill bugs feed on decaying matter, so if you see them in your basement, it is a good sign that there is something rotting present.
How to Prevent Basement Bugs
The best way to keep your basement pest-free is to eliminate the things that attract them in the first place, food, water, and shelter. You should take the time to routinely sweep or vacuum the basement to remove any possible food sources, including small insects, crumbs, and even decaying organic matter.
You should also prevent moisture from building up by using a dehumidifier, repairing any leaking pipes, and ensuring rainwater drains away from your home. Some other things you can do to prevent basement bugs include,
- Removing overgrown vegetation and shrubs
- Storing firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and at least five feet off the ground
- Sealing up any cracks in your foundation
- Eliminating any potential hiding spots by getting rid of clutter
- Opting for plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes to store your belongings
Let Us Help You Prevent Basement Bugs
If you are concerned about basement bugs, the best thing to do is to contact a pest control professional. At Sigma Pest Control, we can help you identify the different types of basement bugs and develop a treatment plan to get rid of them. We also offer preventative services to help keep these pests from coming back in the future. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your home pest free!
