5 Guidelines to Control a Basement Pest Infestation

Household pests are often attracted to cluttered storage areas, like basements and garages, where they can hibernate in a warm, cozy environment throughout the winter. As the weather gets warmer in the springtime, you may notice an influx of bugs in your house as basement pests wake up from hibernation and begin to take over.

To get a basement pest infestation under control, check out these 5 helpful guidelines from expert pest control services in Birmingham:

1. Check for signs of an infestation.Before you contact an exterminator, it helps to look for warning signs in your basement that an insect invasion may have taken place. For example, cockroach droppings may be found in out-of-sight locations, such as under appliances, behind boxes, and in the back of cupboards.

2. Store your firewood outdoors. Don’t even think about storing your firewood in the basement over the winter! This is the perfect invitation for bugs to smuggle their way indoors and hibernate in your cozy, comfy basement in cold weather. Experts recommend storing firewood outdoors, at least 3 feet away from a house.

3. Don’t store food in the basement. With the exception of canning preserves that may be in airtight jars, even packaged foods should not be stored in a basement or garage. Microscopic food particles can easily attract ants and other small insects, leaving you with a full-blown bug problem before you know it.

4. Clean basement floors regularly. If your basement is carpeted, consider hiring a professional company to steam and shampoo the flooring. It also helps to regularly vacuum basement carpeting and area rugs since a clean environment is more likely to deter insects.

5. Call an exterminator. Once you’ve done everything in your power to prevent a bug infestation in your basement, it’s time to call in reinforcements. A skilled exterminator will be able to determine if insects have nested in any storage areas in your basement, including walls, appliances, and boxes. Once a basement has been sprayed, an exterminator can visit your property regularly on a quarterly schedule to keep indoor insect invasions to a minimum.

 

In most cases, keeping your basement clean and in good condition will work wonders to discourage bugs from nesting. It’s important that a basement is sealed and waterproofed completely since stealthy insects like roaches are attracted to areas of standing water; a damp, moist place like a basement can be made uninviting to insect intruders by keeping it clean, dry, and organized.