Basements can be great places to store extra furniture, boxes of holiday decorations, and even a car. However, if your basement still needs to be completed, you may find it’s also a great place for bugs to live. Once you finish your basement, keeping the bugs out is essential.
For example, spiders are the most common pest to make a home in your basement. To keep them out, take preventative measures such as removing food sources and checking for cracks or crevices they could use to enter.
Read more: WHY DOES YOUR BASEMENT HAVE SPIDERS?
We will explain why your basement is a target for spiders and how to keep them away from your newly finished space.
Reasons for Bugs Infestation in Basements
Bugs like cockroaches, spiders, moths, ants and other creepy crawlies are common in basements due to dampness and darkness. Here are some reasons why these bugs are attracted to basements:
Moisture – Basements often have high moisture levels due to the ground, making them cozy and inviting for bugs to look for food and water.
Food Sources – Basements can be a source of food for pests such as cockroaches, which feed on cardboard boxes and paper products.
Cracks and Openings – Bugs can enter through cracks, openings, and gaps in foundation walls.
Poor ventilation in basements often allows moisture to accumulate, which is attractive for bugs.
Clutter – Storing old furniture, clothes, books, and other items in the basement can attract pests.
Tips To Keep Bugs Away from Basements
Some of the best ways to keep bugs away from finished basements include:
1) Seal Cracks and Crevices
Basements often have many cracks, crevices, and small openings that can be ideal entry points for unwanted bugs. Be sure to use a high-quality sealant or caulk around these areas to prevent them from entering your home.
2) Install Door Sweeps
Door sweeps are an inexpensive and effective way to keep bugs from entering through your basement doors. The sweeps should be installed along the bottom of all exterior doors leading to the basement.
3) Use a Dehumidifier
High humidity ranges in basements can create inviting surroundings for bugs, so using a dehumidifier to alter the moisture degrees can maintain them.
It absorbs moisture from the air and pumps it out via a hose or duct. The lower humidity levels will make the basement less attractive to bugs.
4) Regularly Vacuum and Dust
Regularly vacuuming and dusting your finished basement can help keep bugs at bay. Vacuum all carpets and rugs, as well as any upholstered furniture. Dust all surfaces, including walls and ceilings, to remove food particles that attract bugs.
5) Keep Your Basement Clean and Clutter-Free
A cluttered basement is the perfect breeding ground for bugs, so keep it tidy and organized. Store items in sealed containers and ensure all food is stored in airtight containers. Regularly inspect the basement for any signs of bugs and take measures to prevent them from entering your home.
Following these tips, you can help keep your finished basement free of bugs and enjoy a safe, comfortable space. Call R&S Basements for basement finishing in Alpharetta. We offer quality services to customize and update your basement so you can enjoy a comfortable space all year round. Contact us today for more information!
