Bugs In The Basement: Why are there so many?
If you have someone living in your basement, bugs can be a real annoyance. Even if you don’t have someone dwelling in your lower level, are you wondering how you can keep out unwanted “guests”? Here’s why you may have so many bugs in your cellar.
There are a few things that bugs really love, a dark, cool, and moist environment. Most basements do not have natural light making them darker than the rest of your home. Besides that, your lower level is generally a little cooler than the rest of the home due to its underground status. There’s not a lot you can do to lighten up or change the temperature in your basement. However, you most likely can control the level of moisture in your basement.
Moisture in the basement can come from a lot of different sources including leaking pipes, flooding, sump pump failure, excess humidity, and even water seeping in through the floor or walls.
How to Prevent Bugs from Getting Into Your Basement
Most homeowners never give a second thought to their basements until they find themselves dealing with a bug infestation. Basement or crawlspace pests can quickly become a major nuisance, and getting rid of them can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent bugs from getting into your basement in the first place.
Perhaps the most important step is to make sure your basement is properly waterproofed. A wet basement is the perfect breeding ground for many types of insects, so keeping your basement dry is crucial. You should also seal any cracks or openings in your foundation, as these can provide easy entry points for bugs. Finally, regular cleaning and vacuuming will help to keep your basement free of food scraps and other potential attractants. By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent bugs from becoming a problem in your home.
How Do I Get Rid of Bugs In My Basement?
To reduce the number of bugs in the basement, reduce or eliminate moisture and/or water in your lower level. When there is too much moisture in the air, it can often lead to condensation on pipes, wood, and even insulation. Bugs loves this moisture! Installing a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in the basement air and should reduce your bug problem.
When to Call a Professional to Help with Bugs in Your Basement
Bugs are a fact of life, and most of us have had to deal with the occasional invader in our homes. While it is possible to handle smaller infestations on your own, there are some situations where it is best to call in a professional. If you have found bugs in your basement, here are a few things to consider before taking action.
First, identify the type of bug you are dealing with. This will help you determine the best course of action. If you are dealing with ants or other small insects, you may be able to eliminate them with retail products. However, if you have larger pests such as rodents or termites, you will need to contact a pest control company.
Second, consider the size of the infestation. A few bugs here and there can usually be taken care of without too much trouble. However, if your basement is overrun with pests, it will be necessary to call in reinforcements. Pest control companies have the experience and equipment needed to handle large-scale infestations.
Finally, think about your own comfort level. If the thought of dealing with bugs makes you uneasy, it is probably best to leave it to the professionals. Pest control companies have trained technicians who can safely and effectively eliminate pests from your home.
Consult with the Foundation Specialists of My Foundation Repairs
If water is seeping into your basement from another source such as the ground surrounding or beneath your home, you will need a more sophisticated solution. It’s best to consult with a foundation specialist to ensure you end up with the best solution for your home.
A foundation repair company can work to either route water away from your home by installing exterior drainage solutions, or they may even recommend interior drain tiles. This is important not only to reduce bugs, but also to protect your home’s foundation. As water beneath and around your home freezes and thaws, an abundance of water in the earth can cause the ground to expand and contract. This movement can cause cracks in your cement floor or in the walls of your basement.
If you notice condensation in your basement along with lots of bugs, My Foundation Repairs can connect you with an expert to diagnose the source of the water and determine the best solution.