If you want to keep bugs out of your basement, you need a comprehensive waterproofing plan and avoid creating a space with the food and shelter they’re looking for. Basement bugs are an all-too-common problem. After all, the spaces under our homes are often dark, humid, and ill-lit. Even with finished basements, they rarely see as much human traffic, cleaning, or attention as the common living areas in the homes above. By understanding what basement pests are looking for, you can avoid rolling out the welcome mat for these unwanted guests.
Why You Get Rodents, Snakes, or Bugs in the Basement
Before you can keep bugs out of the basement, you need a deeper understanding of what they and other common pests are looking for. Once all is said and done, these creepers and crawlers are still just animals. They’re driven by instinctual needs that are hardwired to improve their chances of survival so they can pass on their genetics to the next creepy generation.
- Shelter – Shelter is one of the most important survival factors for pests. While some basement bugs may be predatory toward each other, the majority of pests that want to invade your home are more concerned with larger predators: humans. Bugs look for quiet, dark places where they can blend in with their surroundings or skitter into small places where they’re protected.
- Food – The next priority is often finding a food source. While larger bugs, such as spiders, will often consume smaller ones. Others rely on humanity for their food source. Dropped or left behind morsels of food, rotting building materials or papers, and even the cloth of stored clothes can represent an all-you-can-eat buffet for certain species of bugs.
- Water – Every animal on the planet requires water, and a basement gives them a plentiful supply. From seepage through walls to leaky pipes, poorly maintained basements offer plenty of opportunities for a big drink. Even well-maintained basements can be hospitable as condensation or unattended food and drinks provide the moisture they need.
- Breeding Space -If you don’t keep out bugs, they’ll make sure future generations make it even harder for you to reclaim your basement. Pests aren’t just looking for space to mate. They want a location where successive generations can hide, eat, and breed in relative comfort to keep the species going strong.
What You Can Do to Keep Bugs Out
Basement Waterproofing
The most important step you can take to keep bugs out of your basement (as well as rodents, snakes, and other critters) is to implement a comprehensive basement waterproofing plan. This will limit access, food, water, and shelter for these unwanted guests.
- Seal All Entry Points – From repairing cracks to sealing gaps around pipes and weather-proofing doors and windows, blocking easy access not only makes it harder for bugs to get in. It also makes managing basement humidity easier.
- Eliminate Water Sources – Fix leaky pipes, install pipe insulation, and make sure your sump and sump pumps are working effectively. These steps help prevent standing water from accumulating–instead collecting it for removal away from your foundation walls.
- Install a Dehumidifier – This machine pulls moisture out of the air to help prevent condensation and keep your basement dryer. This also helps protect any personal property stored in the basement, making it less likely that it will become a food source.
- Grading and Landscaping – Finally, make sure your natural drainage guides water away from your home’s foundation. Landscaping with the right plants can also help pull excess moisture out of the soil before it can cause flooding.
Keep It Clean
Keeping bugs out is far easier when they have no place to hide. Keep your basement clean and clutter-free. That means everything has a place, and there’s a place for everything you keep in your basement, whether you use it as a utility room, additional storage, or an expanded living space. Clean messes up immediately and take the basement trash out regularly. Mop up spills, and avoid leaving any food waste around.
Use Your Space
Pests hate human traffic, so make sure you visit your basement space regularly. This can be easy if it’s a frequently used area of your home, like a subterranean den or laundry room. If you only use your basement for storage, however, you may need to set a reminder to visit it once a month, ensuring it’s clean and inspecting the area for signs of pests. If you find any basement bugs or their leavings, revisit your plan to keep bugs out, find where you’ve slipped, and get back on track.
Practice Proper Pest Control
If you’re the kind of person who gets the heeby-jeebys thinking about sprays, traps, and other pest control options, contact a local professional. Whether it’s you or a pro, however, the job needs to get done. Poisons can be very effective but aren’t pet-friendly. No-touch traps can provide broad protection against multiple species, and spot treatments for particularly troublesome pests can be applied as needed to augment your protection.
Get a Free Basement Waterproofing Inspection
When you schedule a professional basement inspection, there’s no cost or obligation. Our expert will inspect your basement, note any damage or repair opportunities that can help you keep bugs out, and tailor a waterproofing plan to meet your family’s needs. You’ll get a written estimate that offers you the details you need to make an informed decision, and we’ll be by your side every step of the way to answer your questions.
Once you’re ready to get started, you’ll know how long the job will take, the days we’ll be there, and what the process will entail. Through it all, we make sure to minimize our intrusion into your daily life. Get the peace of mind your family needs. Keep bugs out of your basement with the help of A.M. Wall Anchor & Waterproofing.
