Pests in the Basement: 6 Methods for Prevention and Control
From termites to spiders, all the creepy crawlies in the area would be happy to find a home in your basement. This can make spending time in the basement uncomfortable and unpleasant. If you are a homeowner who would like to keep bugs out of your basement, check out these tips for a cleaner and more comfortable basement you can enjoy.
1. Fix Plumbing Leaks Promptly
Moisture in the soil often finds its way into the home via cracks in the foundation. Sometimes this moisture causes floods, mold, mildew, and a general dampness. You have many ways that you can waterproof your basement.
- Seal cracks with caulk.
- Coat the walls with masonry waterproofing paint.
- Maintain your gutters and remove clogs.
- Grade the soil around the house so that water will roll away from the foundation.
- Place a moisture barrier just beneath the surface of the soil around the house.
- Get a sump pump.
Waterproofing a basement is a process that can take months or years, depending on the type and amount of water intrusion that your basement gets. Talk to a contractor to find out what to do to keep moisture out of your basement.
- Keep the Basement Clean
Insects often prefer to linger in tight, dark, and protected spaces, like the spaces behind boxes and beneath clutter. Removing this clutter from your basement can help eliminate the areas where bugs like to spend time. As you declutter, remember that the more stuff you remove from your basement, the less hospitable your basement will be for insects.
- Keep Mulch and Wood Away From the House
Mulch and wood of other types attract termites. If you have a woodpile near your house, move it to a place far away from your foundation. If you feel the need to mulch around your home’s foundation (especially over your moisture barrier), use rock mulch instead of wood mulch.
- Maintain Your Plumbing
Old basement plumbing has a way of leaking over time, leading to standing moisture and wood rot. Insects need water and are attracted to these puddles. In addition, wood rot from leaking pipes can lead to an infestation of wood-destroying insects like carpenter ants and termites.
You can help eliminate this problem by fixing your leaks as soon as they develop. Go into your basement on a regular basis and look around pipes for signs of moisture damage or puddles of water. While you’re down there, check around your floor drains for standing water and signs of recent standing water. Have a professional clear away your floor drains on a regular basis.
- Install Pest Traps
Installing pest traps can help keep insects to a minimum in your basement. You can lay glue traps in the spaces behind boxes, under furniture, near doors, and under drains. Swap out your glue traps regularly or they will lose their stickiness as dust from the air covers them. If you start to notice certain kinds of insects appearing more than others do, talk to your pest control company.
- Work With a Pest Control Company
Working with a pest control company can help keep your pests in the basement to a minimum. Getting regular treatments from a pest control professional can also help keep your basement free from unwanted animals as well.
If you frequently struggle with insects in your basement, talk to a reputable pest control company in your area about regular service to your home. At PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control, we are happy to answer any questions you might have about eliminating bugs and animals from your property. Contact us today for more information.
