Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

5 Common Insects in the Basement and How to Handle Them

Written by Aptive Environmental November 22, 2024

Updated November 24, 2024

If you feel like your basement is being overrun by bugs or insects, you’re not alone. Common insects such as spiders, centipedes, and beetles are frequently found in these spaces. The insects found here are attracted to dark, humid environments and away from the prying eyes of humans. It can cause a huge concern for homeowners as these pests make their home in your basement spaces. If preventing these invaders is causing you stress and anxiety, here’s what you need to know about them and keeping these insects from becoming an infestation.

1. Spiders

Spiders are one of the most common insects found in basements. They prefer dark, undisturbed spaces where they can spin webs and catch other insects. Basements provide the perfect setting for them to thrive.

While most types of spiders are harmless, some species, like the brown recluse spiders or black widow spiders, can pose a health risk with their bites. Even harmless spiders can become a nuisance when they spread webs across your walls, ceilings, and stored items.

How to Prevent Spider Infestation

You need to reduce the food sources of spiders (other insects) to protect your basement against them. Regularly clean your basement, clear away webs, and remove clutter where spiders hide. Sealing cracks around windows and doors will also help block their entry.

2. Centipedes

Centipedes are other insects found in basements. These fast-moving insects thrive in damp environments and feed on other pests like spiders and small insects. Centipedes may look intimidating, but they are mostly harmless to humans.

Although centipedes can bite if provoked, their bites are not venomous. Their presence, however, can indicate excessive moisture in your basement, which can attract other pests.

How to Prevent Centipede Infestation

To control centipedes in your basement, reduce moisture in your basement by using dehumidifiers and fixing any leaks. Keep the area tidy and regularly inspect the space for cracks in walls or around windows where centipedes might enter.

3. Beetles

Beetles, particularly carpet beetles and wood-boring beetles, are usually insects found  in basement. They feed on organic materials like wood, fabric, and stored goods. Over time, beetles can cause significant damage to furniture, clothing, and even structural wood.

If you see small holes in fabrics, carpets, or wooden items, beetles could be the culprit. Beetle infestations can lead to expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.

How to Prevent Beetle Infestation

Store fabrics in sealed plastic containers to prevent beetles and inspect stored items regularly for signs of damage. Ensure that wood stays dry, as damp wood is more vulnerable to beetle damage. Sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation will also help prevent beetles from entering.

4. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects often found in damp, dark areas like basements. They feed on starchy materials such as paper, books, and clothing. If left untreated, silverfish can cause damage to stored goods.

While they pose no direct harm to humans, silverfish can chew through important documents, photos, and fabrics, leading to costly damage over time.

How to Prevent Silverfish Infestation

Reduce the humidity in your basement by using dehumidifiers or improving ventilation to prevent and control silverfish infestation. Store valuable items like books and clothes in airtight containers. Regularly clean your basement to remove dust and debris that can attract silverfish.

5. Earwigs

Earwigs are usually insects found in basements since they are attracted to moist environments. These common insects in the basement are easily recognized by their pincers, which they use for defense. Though they may look alarming, earwigs are generally harmless to humans.

However, their presence signals a moisture issue in your basement, and they may also feed on decaying plant material and insects, contributing to further pest issues.

How to Prevent Earwig Infestation

Reducing moisture is key to controlling earwigs. Ensure your basement has proper drainage, fix any leaks, and clear out areas where water may collect. Removing piles of wood or organic matter can also reduce the  food source for these kind of common insects in the basement

Address Basement Insects and Pests Now with Aptive

Don’t let common insects take over your basement or the rest of your home! Implementing some of these basic but effective strategies can help to manage these unwelcome guests. However, if you are in a position where your home or health are overwhelmed due to these troublesome intruders, Aptive is here to help you regain peace of mind. If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation or just want to know you’re protected from pests, Aptive is here to help. We understand the challenges you face with insects whether it’s in your basement or the rest of your home.

Reach out for a free quote for our professional pest control services. Take the first step toward a more comfortable and peaceful home.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

A Cozy Living Room Decorated For Christmas, Featuring A Stone Fireplace Adorned With Stockings And A Brightly Lit Christmas Tree Surrounded By Neatly Wrapped Presents.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Holiday Decorations

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and festive décor. But as you deck the halls, unwelcome pests can find your decorations just as inviting. Whether your ornaments are on display or tucked away in storage, these tips will help you enjoy your holidays...

Nov 25, 2024
A Snow-Covered Suburban Landscape Featuring A Two-Story White House With A Red Front Door And A Wreath. Snow-Laden Evergreen Trees Frame The Scene, Creating A Picturesque Winter Setting.

How to Protect Your Home With These Winter Pest Control Tips

As temperatures drop, your home becomes a prime target for cold-weather pests looking for warmth. Common intruders like rodents, spiders, and cockroaches seek shelter inside houses during winter. Effective winter pest control is essential to keep these pests out...

Nov 22, 2024
Four Outdoor Garbage Bins In Blue, Brown, Gray, And Green Placed Side By Side, Marked With The Number 23. The Bins Are Against A Red Wooden Fence With Gardening Tools Resting Inside One Of The Bins.

What Attracts Pests to Your Garbage and How to Keep Them Away

If you’ve ever struggled with cockroaches, flies, or rats, you know how frustrating it can feel when they seem to have a secret invitation to your garbage. These pests are often drawn to food residue, moisture, and even strong odors emanating from your trash....

Nov 22, 2024
A Modern, Two-Story House With A Gray And White Exterior, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights At Dusk, Showcasing A Clean Driveway And A Small Front Yard.

Household Pests That Thrive During Rainy Seasons

When the weather turns wet, it’s not just humans who seek shelter—many pests take advantage of the moisture and humidity. Rainy season pests can cause serious problems for homeowners, from mosquitoes breeding in standing water to ants invading kitchens in search of...

Nov 20, 2024
Brown Rat Perched On A Stone Ledge, Surrounded By Green Foliage, With A Focused Expression And Vibrant Background.

3 Reasons Why it’s Important to Act Fast to Get Rid of Pests

You've spotted pests in your home—maybe a trail of ants, a mouse in the garage, or a few cockroaches in the kitchen. Your first reaction might be to ignore it, hoping the problem will go away on its own. But that's a mistake. In this article, we'll explore three...

Nov 19, 2024
Modern Basement Interior With Light Beige Walls, Dark Wood Flooring, And A Cozy Seating Area Featuring A White Armchair And A Patterned Rug Next To A Stylish Staircase With Wooden Railings.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home

There’s nothing quite like the peace of a well-maintained home. But that peace can be disrupted when pests find their way indoors. Whether it’s ants marching through the kitchen, spiders taking up residence in your home, or mice scurrying in the attic, pests are...

Nov 18, 2024
A Warm Evening View Of A Modern Home, Looking Through Large Windows Into A Kitchen Where A Family Of Four Is Gathered Around A Kitchen Island. Outside, The Patio Area Is Surrounded By Lush Greenery And Outdoor Furniture.

Top 10 Move-In Checklist Items for New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, marking the start of a fresh chapter in life. However, once the thrill of unpacking subsides, the reality of settling in and organizing your new space kicks in. To ensure a smooth transition and establish a...

Nov 15, 2024
Lack Football Helmet With A Yellow Stripe Along The Edge And A White Circular Logo. The Logo Contains Three Bees In Yellow, Red, And Blue. The Helmet Includes A Black Faceguard.

If Pests Took Over the NFL

Imagine a world where pests ruled the NFL. The teams you know and love would be transformed into the creepy, crawly, and downright persistent creatures that invade our homes. Thankfully, pest control experts make sure these critters stay off your real home turf....

Nov 5, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.