The basement is a thrilling place for horror fans; where better for their greatest fears to appear? Basement bugs are one of the scarier things you’ll find in these dark, warm, and damp spaces– setting sticky traps is only one way to start identifying and controlling tiny bugs in basement populations.
Other basement bugs may require professional pest control services, or even more drastic measures such as fumigation. Identifying an infestation is the first step in conquering your basement bug problem. Your fear and discomfort with basement bugs do not have to be around forever, so take action quickly and keep calm– after all, some of our biggest fears can be overcome!
If pill bugs or centipedes are skittering across your basement floor, it may be due to a bugs live infestation. Many basement bugs, like pill bugs and centipedes, lay eggs in moist places – giving you an even bigger problem if not addressed in time.
Other pests that may make their home below ground level include pill millipedes (commonly mistaken for pillbugs), houseflies, silverfish, and mold mites.
Getting rid of a pest infestation requires knowledge about the bug’s biology and behavior, so it’s important to research your particular issue to get the most effective solution.
Unfortunately, dealing with these creepy crawlers is something many homeowners must face as they can cause diseases, bites or stings and can even destabilize your home if left unaddressed. Once the pests are taken care of, one last step would be making sure your basement is less attractive them so they don’t return.
All this information can help you get rid of those scary basement bugs once and for all!
What Are Some Common Basement Bugs?
From sweltering heat in the Deep South to chilly temperatures up North, basement bugs are common household pests all across America. Despite regional differences, most homes can expect an occasional visit from these leggy intruders!
12 tiny bugs in basement
Cockroaches
Dubbed the “spine-tingler,” these dark brown arthropods have no trouble conjuring goosebumps. Easily spotted with their telltale antennae and flattened bodies measuring an inch or so in length, they’re sure to give anyone a start!
Cockroaches are among the most disturbing and unhygienic pests that can invade your home. From spreading illness-causing bacteria to reproducing rapidly, an infestation of oriental cockroaches should not be taken lightly – if left unchecked, their hardy colonies will prove difficult to eradicate!
Spiders
Spiders are such a frightening part of horror movies, but contrary to Hollywood’s depiction not all spiders seek out humans as prey.
Some species can even be kept in your home and cared for just like any other pet! Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to the house or long-bodied cellar spider who remain wild at heart – better left admired from afar.
Spiders are helpful creatures, as they catch pesky bugs flying around our homes. However, some spiders like the black widow and brown recluse pose a risk to humans with their potentially dangerous venom. They easily stand out thanks to their eight ultra-strong legs!
Rodents
Rats and mice have long been known to cause significant problems in the home. Beyond spreading dangerous diseases like the plague, they can also weaken structures with their constant gnawing – potentially leading to costly repairs if not addressed quickly!
Not only that, but if a rat or mouse dies inside your walls it could leave behind an unpleasant smell throughout your house.
Woodlouse
If you’re familiar with the basement, then it’s likely that these distinctive creatures have made an appearance: sowbugs!
With their flat oval bodies and thick exoskeletons topped by seven tiny legs plus antennae, they may not look like much – but beware.
They reproduce rapidly and can be a real hazard to your garden due to their gnawing on plants; worse yet is the stench of ammonia when there are too many around. So if one shows up in your home or yard…best get rid of them quick before more arrive!
Camel Cricket
Camel crickets are a type of cricket that shares many characteristics with their regular cousins, except for the fact that they have an arched humpback and six-angled legs.
The mottled brown bodies of camel crickets can range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in size, but what separates them from other bugs is their propensity to jump high – though be assured that this is done out of fear rather than aggression.
Thankfully, despite their unsettling appearance and behavior getting away from predators, camel crickets aren’t particularly harmful.
While they may nibble on dead bugs or crawl spaces found in basements or dark corners of homes, they’re just seen as an annoyance more so than any damage causing pests like carpet beetle larvae or even the terrifying brown recluse spider.
Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive pests to invade your home – they not only feast on wood, causing costly structural damage if left unchecked, but also leave your property vulnerable to moisture and water-related issues.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Take action now – these little critters can wreak havoc in no time at all!
Springtime brings an unwelcome pest: termites. These critters may look similar to ants, but their wings are the same size and they have thick bodies with straight antennae; making them easily distinguishable from other insects.
However, if left unchecked these creatures can wreak havoc on your wooden furniture!
Earwigs
Earwigs may just be a nuisance, but they are still quite the creepy crawler!
With its dark brown body just an inch in length, two pairs of wings (though not all varieties can fly), and two pincers protruding from their posterior part, these bugs sure are enough to make even the bravest person’s skin crawl.
These insects live just about anywhere with moisture–especially dark places such as closets and near carpets–which makes them more so difficult to get rid of.
As opposed to brown recluse spiders or carpet beetles, bug bombs won’t just take care of them in an instant; thus much time must be taken to properly get rid of this nagging pest.
Silverfish
Silverfishes may be small, but they can cause big damage! These grimy pests are recognizably unwelcome in any extensive library.
With their grey or brownish bodies, long antennae and three tail-like appendages at the back, these fast runners have an appetite for fabrics like clothes and books – so keep them away from your wardrobe if you want to stay looking sharp!
Centipedes And Millipedes
Centipedes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, boasting anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs!
These unusual creatures are usually nocturnal visitors in the home – they might be creepy crawlers, but take solace; house centipedes don’t sting or cause any harm.
Instead, their diet consists primarily of other pests such as ants and cockroaches.
Their wiggling bodies may vary between brownish to gray shades depending on the species – keep an eye out for those that could be poisonous if contact is made with your bare skin!
Slithering through the undergrowth with hundreds of legs and an unforgettable smell, millipedes are some of nature’s most curious creatures.
Despite their intimidating appearance they don’t pose much danger to humans other than potentially causing allergies if threatened – as a defense mechanism they emit a stinky liquid that could clear out any room!
However, this impressive creature can differ vastly in terms of leg count; it can range from 40 up to 400 pairs per body segment.
Comparatively Rare Basement Bugs
Springtails
Springtails are tiny and incredibly furry insects that are easily identifiable due to the swarms they form; this often looks like a fuzzy cluster of fabric.
Unsurprisingly, they tend to be more common in gardens with bug bombs used as a means to help control their population.
Controlling moisture levels is also important: springtails love moist environments! Also watch out for other bugs such as dust mites, drain flies and anything else that may find its way through tiny openings.
Bedbugs
Bed bugs are not to be underestimated, as they will voraciously feast on human blood and hide away in cozy bedrooms or forgotten mattresses.
From the small brown bodies to their distinct scent when crushed, bed bugs can leave behind an unforgettable reminder of their presence – fear-inducing stains that hint at a potentially larger infestation.
Bats
While not common household nuisances, bats may create colonies in cooler and aging basements with cellars. Unfortunately, their presence comes complete with a distinctive stink – making them unwelcome guests!
Why Are There So Many Bugs In The Basement?
Basements, often dark and damp, are an easy entry point for bugs and pests looking for a place to hide.
Unfortunately, subterranean termites make their way up through the soil and into your home, while carpenter ants may find their way in through small cracks in basement walls.
If you discover black bugs in cardboard boxes stored in the basement, you could be harboring generations of them living unseen.
To prevent this and get rid of bug infestations before they cause allergic reactions or other effects, it’s important to regularly check all cardboard boxes stored in the basement as well as look out for any other signs of bugs.
While dark, damp basements make the perfect home for creepy crawlies, many homeowners have no idea that this kind of environment attracts all sorts of bugs.
Bugs and termites love high humidity and dark areas, as it not only provides shelter but also an ideal atmosphere to reproduce quickly.
As soon as they find entry into your basement, their numbers swell. If you suspect a bug or termite infestation in your basement, you must take action right away instead of brushing it off. Bug bombs are generally effective in bringing down the population temporarily but professional exterminators can tackle the issue thoroughly and ensure there is no further infestation after elimination.
You should also try reducing clutter in the basement with regular cleaning since dark and cluttered spots are attractive options for these kinds of critters.
Acting quickly is key to getting rid of pesky pests.
If you don’t want more bugs invading your home, bug bombs and peppermint oil peppermint oil spray can help take back control – just be sure not to set off a bomb-shelter invasion! Ignoring the problem will only make it worse as those critters multiply exponentially over time.
Pests may be the last thing on your mind when you think of a basement, but unfortunately they like to make it their home too.
To discourage those unwelcome visitors from settling in and making themselves comfortable, take proactive steps such as fixing leaky pipes or using boric acid around corners and behind furniture.
Don’t wait for small annoyances to become serious infestations – act swiftly so that bugs don’t become bigger problems!
Read also: What attracts ants?
How To Bug-Proof Your Home And Basement?
Keeping pesky bugs away doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are a few easy alternatives for discouraging insects from entering your home:
- Keeping our homes free of clutter is essential to creating a healthy, stress-free environment. To avoid accumulating too much stuff and inviting unwanted pests like silverfish into the basement, we should get in the habit of sorting through items often and donating any old clothes or books that haven’t been used in awhile.
- Keep pesky insects away with a magical dusting of Diatomaceous Earth! Spread it throughout your home and garden to create an enchanted barrier against bugs.
- Protect your basement appliances from damaging water leaks – if any of your washers or heaters are down there, ensure they always remain in perfect working order.
- Keep the bugs out and your home in with door and window screens! Always remember to shut them tightly when not in use.
It’s no secret that little bugs hiding in unsuspecting hiding places around your home can quickly become a big problem if left untreated.
When first-line chemicals and DIY home remedies fail to prevent or reduce the bug population, it’s time to bring in a professional pest control company.
Some regional companies specialize in area-specific services such as outdoor tents to fumigate cottages or log cabins, while some have a nationwide presence and will work anywhere you need them.
Additionally, if you are an organic gardener and need additional help in balancing beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs into your garden, seek the advice of an entomologist who is knowledgeable about insect habits and behaviors.
By maintaining good sanitation practices, managing excessive moisture from flooded basements or leaky air-conditioners, and keeping food source storage areas free from stored food crumbs, you’ll be able to give pests less of an opportunity to take up residence where they’re not wanted.
What are these tiny bugs in my basement?
The moulds. Also called cheese mites, the moisture problems in basements may cause mold growth which will attract mould mites.
They’re very small and feed from a variety of molds and even cheese products.
What bug looks like a tiny black dot?
Booklices are soft, with a couple of pairs with large antennas.
They tend to jump and you can see these small spots on damp or wet areas like crawlspaces, bookcases, tiled areas and basement walls. Currently more than 300 book lice species exist which are known as psocids.
Read more: What to do with clothes during fumigation?