The variety of pests that live in basements is huge. In damp, warm, and poorly ventilated areas, many insects, mollusks, and rodents thrive. This article compiled five of the most common basement pests. Regardless of the specific type, the main reasons for their appearance include:
- high humidity;
- lack of lighting;
- improper storage of food;
- presence of cracks and holes.
The first step is to eliminate these four causes to get rid of most species. So what are the top five common pests?
1. Waterbugs and Cockroaches
These two types of insects are very similar to each other, so people often confuse them. Be that as it may, both waterbugs and cockroaches are attracted to wet rooms with access to food or food waste.
The fight against them is made difficult by the fact that they lay eggs in hard-to-reach places. Besides, they reproduce very quickly. So if an infestation is not urgently prevented, it can become a real headache.
2. Spiders
There are spiders in every home. Unfortunately, you’ll have to resign to this idea. They are especially common in basements, garages, and ground floors. As a rule, they do not show themselves to a person’s eyes and build nests in the far corners, where little sunlight penetrates.
In general, they are harmless creatures that, among other things, can be useful since they catch other insects. The main thing is that the spiders that have settled in your basement are not poisonous. In this case, it is better to call insect specialists.
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3. Millipedes and Centipedes
It is another unpleasant pest that adores damp and dark rooms. Just like spiders, they hunt other insects. On the one hand, it is not bad. On the other hand, the more insects you have, the more centipedes or millipedes will live in your basement.
They do not attack people and try to hide in the nearest crack at the first sign of danger. However, you should be careful as centipedes can bite.
4. Mice and Rats
Any rodents are an absolute disaster for things stored in a basement. They can destroy literally everything (food, boxes, wiring, hardwood floors, and so on) in a very short period due to their enormous appetite.
They are pretty smart creatures that are hard to catch. In addition to the fact that they can eat absolutely everything in your basement, they can carry dangerous diseases.
5. Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs are not often found on the lists of basement pests; however, probably everyone has encountered them. These are unpretentious creatures that eat a lot and, with their irrepressible appetite, can spoil food or crops stored in a room.
If rain, groundwater, or water from a leaking pipe gets into your basement, and it does not heat well, be prepared for slugs and snails to appear in it very soon.
Better to Prevent Than to Fight
Fighting many types of pests takes a lot of effort, time, and money. Therefore, the best solution is to prevent their occurrence. Clean your basement thoroughly, control the humidity level, ventilate the area regularly, and quickly seal holes and cracks through which insects and rodents can enter.
