Wondering why pests like hanging out in your basement? Well, there are a lot of different things that make basements a safe haven for creepy crawlies of all kinds. First off, pests are generally shy - it’s a survival mechanism for them. Pests will do whatever it takes to avoid exposure and your basement is usually an ideal environment. Most basements are dark and often the least busy parts of a house, meaning your uninvited guests can move around comfortably hunting for food, unnoticed. 

The other thing pests find irresistible about basements is that they are underground which means crawling and digging insects can access it faster compared to other parts of the house. Residential pest control professionals in Winnipeg take you through some of the most common pests you can find in your basement:

Cockroaches

Among all other parts of the house, basements tend to produce more moisture. The cool, dark and drafty nature of basements contributes to increased humidity, making it an ideal environment for oriental roaches. Among other species of cockroaches, the oriental roaches, also given the name ‘water bugs’ love moist dark areas, away from humans.

Rodents

Cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, openings near ground-level windows, and holes in insulation all provide great opportunities for rodents to pass through. You’ll be surprised how an open space as small as a dime can allow a mouse into your basement. The warmth and isolation of the basement make a perfect hideout for mice from which they can sneak into the rest of the house in search of food. To completely eradicate rodents, always hire professional exterminators. 

Termites

Yes! There are even termites in Winnipeg, now. If you have a damp basement, you may be inviting termites in for dinner. Termites are wood-destroying insects that often damage homes with wet basements.  Since the basement foundation is in contact with soil, cracks in the foundation provide little highways for the wood-foraging pests. The termites, having found a home, will build mud tubes inside the cracks that provide a leeway back and forth from soil to wood. Termites have been known to pose one of the biggest threats to a home’s structure so if your home is infested, you need to act fast. The first thing is to get them exterminated by pest control experts and then deal with the moisture problem in your basement. Waterproofing your basement can make it less attractive to termites.

Spiders   

Spiders like places that are rarely disturbed or cleaned so your basement is probably the perfect place for them to live in your house. Again, spiders follow food so as long as you have other pests in your basement, spiders will show up for prey-hunting missions. To keep spiders out of your basement, you must seal entry points in the basements like small cracks and crevices. Keeping your basement clean and free of other insects will naturally clear out the spiders.

Basements provide a prime entryway for pests into your home which is why keeping pests away from your basement is crucial to preventing pest infestation in your home. Sealing any cracks and openings in the basements will go a long way to prevent access. Additionally, applying an insect barrier can also help curb entry. Another tip in preventing basement pests is making sure you don’t load your basements with old furniture, bags, boxes, and other knick knacks as these  provide a great environment for insects and rodents who are looking for a home.