Bugs, insects, little creepy-crawlies, they're all a fact of life. No matter where you go or where you live there are bugs. Insects have a natural reason for being where they are and doing what they do, and many of them are beneficial to their environment, like spiders who will attack and eat the unwanted bugs. But if you're finding an incredible number of insects creeping in the shadows of your basement, you might be ready to get rid of them.

There are a variety of different basement bugs attracted to moisture. Some, like certain types of spiders, you want to keep, and others you'll probably want to remove. While it's impossible to be completely rid of insects, you can decrease their presence in your basement.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BASEMENT BUGS ATTRACTED TO MOISTURE?

Common basement bugs attracted to moisture include:

  • Silverfish or Fish Moths - are silver-grey in color and average one inch in length. They're nocturnal, meaning active at night, and frequently discovered in the shower in the morning. Silverfish are attracted to carbohydrates such as sugar and starches as well as messy rooms with piles of clothes in boxes or on the floor.
  • Centipedes - centipede, literally meaning 100 feet, have, on average, 100 feet with some outliers. They are carnivorous, eating meet with tiny jaws and are attracted to messy rooms, or basements. While they can consume vegetation, it is a non-crucial part of their diet.
  • Earwigs - earwigs are attracted not to your ears, but to rotting trees and other vegetation as well as your damp basement. Earwigs were introduced to North America in 1907 from Europe and are now most common in southern and southwestern states. They are also nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on other insects and plants.
  • Roly-poly Bugs - These fun little insects also go by the name pill bug, sow bug, potato bug, and armadillo bug. The roly-poly name comes from its ability to roll into a ball when threatened. They tend to infest damp basements in droves when the air outside is dry.

Mold mites. Also known as cheese mites, if your basement has a moisture problem, mold growth is probable, which attracts mold mites. They are incredibly tiny and feed off mold, including cheese.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REMOVE BASEMENT BUGS ATTRACTED TO MOISTURE?

If you're ready to be done with your basement infestation, try some of these tricks.

For silverfish, use a killing spray that leaves a residue. Centipedes are difficult; try ‘stunning' them with a rolled-up newspaper, catch them in a jar and set them free outdoors. Earwigs require a toxic spray, but you can also prevent them from entering by keeping rotting trees and vegetation away from your home. Roly polys prefer moisture to anything, so ridding moisture from the basement is your best bet. Mold mites are tricky, but in the end, you need to remove the mold to kill the mites and prevent recurrence of the infestation.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO ABOUT MY BASEMENT BUGS ATTRACTED TO MOISTURE?

Call 877-957-5670 to schedule an appointment with an AdvantaClean basement waterproofing specialist today!

Schedule an Appointment or Call (888)755-3028

To request a service call, please fill out the form below and we will contact you via phone, email or text as soon as possible to confirm an appointment time. You will receive an email confirming your service request.

All field required.

(877) 800-2382
Categories