Do you have bugs in your basement?

Basements can be a magnet for various types of pests, giving basements insects like spiders and termites, the perfect place to thrive. From the dampness to the darkness, several factors contribute to making your basement an attractive hideout for insects. Understanding what draws these unwanted guests to your underground space is the first step towards eliminating these pests from your home. Learn what draws bugs into basements and how you can help keep your basement protected.

Common types of basement bugs

Whether your basement is used only for storage or is a frequently visited space for entertainment, keeping it free of insects is important. However, some insects prefer cool, undisturbed dark spaces just like your basement, and they can migrate through cracks or crevices in your walls or foundation, giving them easy access to your home. Here are the most common basement bugs you need to look out for:

Subterranean termites

Subterranean termites live underground and build their nests in the soil to maintain moisture levels. Cracks in the basement slab and surrounding walls can be easy entry points for termites, which is why they are commonly found in basements, especially those that are damp and dark. Once inside, they tend to congregate and cause damage in areas where there are wood or cellulose-based materials, which they feed on.

Oriental cockroaches

Sometimes referred to as “water bugs,” Oriental cockroaches prefer dark, damp places, so they're often found in basements and crawl spaces, as well as near drains, sump pumps, and leaky water pipes. These basement insects feed on garbage and organic matter and will typically be found hiding near food sources.

Earwigs

Earwigs are dark, reddish-brown insects with pincer-like projections (cerci) at the end of their abdomens. Because they prefer dark, damp areas, they're often found in basements or crawl spaces. They seek out these spaces to find shelter, moisture, and food, which includes a variety of dead insects and plant materials. Like cockroaches, earwigs are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night.

House centipedes

House centipedes have brownish or grayish-yellow, flattened bodies and 15 pairs of long, striped legs. Full-grown house centipedes are more than an inch long. Like many basement bugs, centipedes prefer to hunt and live in dark, damp areas. They eat live insects, spiders, and other arthropods, and because of this, can actually be beneficial basement bugs.

Sowbugs

Sowbugs have 14 legs, are brownish-gray in color, and have an oval-shaped body. These crustaceans require a moist environment to survive, making your basement an ideal habitat. Sowbugs can enter your home through cracks in foundations, around ground-level windows, and under doors. If there's excessive rain or moisture in your soil, these bugs may also enter your basement, seeking drier areas. In the fall, they may wander inside, searching for a protected place to spend the winter.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects known for their silvery-grey and metallic scales, a tapered shape resembling a fish, and two long antennae on their heads. Like many other basement bugs, silverfish prefer cool, damp, and dark environments. They also feed off paper products like cardboard which can often be found in these areas. Basements that are poorly ventilated and have high humidity or moisture levels provide the ideal conditions for silverfish to thrive.

Spiders

Spiders come in all shapes and sizes but can typically be identified by their eight legs. Basements give spiders the cool, damp, and dark conditions that they prefer. These areas tend to have higher humidity levels and are also attractive to other basement insects, which serve as prey for spiders. The secluded nature of basements also provides spiders with the perfect environment to build webs and hunt without much disturbance.

Crickets

Crickets are commonly recognized by their long antennae, which often exceed their body length. They typically range from light brown to dark brown in color, making them somewhat camouflaged in our homes. Crickets find their way into basements, primarily searching for shelter, water, and food. These insects are attracted to cool, moist habitats, which makes secluded basements perfect for them. Additionally, basements often have an abundance of potential food sources for crickets, like other basement bugs.

How to help keep bugs out of your basement

The best way to keep bugs out of your basement is to keep the area dry and stop them from coming inside. Here are a few tips to help keep basement bugs out:

• Repair leaky faucets and dripping pipes.
• Prevent sweaty pipes and condensation by wrapping pipes in foam insulation.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.
• Make sure rainwater drains away from your home.
• Replace weather stripping around doors.
• Check for cracks around windows, doors, and foundation, and seal with caulk.
• Seal gaps where plumbing and wiring enter the basement.

How to help get rid of bugs in basements

It’s not uncommon to find bugs in the basement, but no one wants to live with a full-blown infestation. Here are some steps you can take to help clear out those unwanted pests:

• Clear out your basement: Remove all items from the space and carefully inspect and clean each one. Bugs can hide in unexpected places, like books, boxes, and bags. Make sure nothing is overlooked.
• Deep clean the area: Thoroughly sweep, vacuum, and wipe down every surface, from ceiling to floor. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where pests tend to hide.
• Prevent future infestations: Once your basement is clean, follow the preventive tips mentioned above to keep the area dry and pest-proof, ensuring that bugs won’t return.

If you're still dealing with an infestation, it's time to contact your local Terminix office. Our professional pest control technicians are experts in identifying and eliminating basement pests. Contact your local Terminix branch today to get rid of the bugs in your basement.