5 Basement Bugs That Could Indicate A Water Problem
Are there bugs living in your basement? While most bugs are pretty harmless, they could indicate that you have a serious water problem in your basement.
Most bugs cannot survive without a constant source of moisture around. They also tend to be attracted to dark places much like your basement. Luckily, these bugs are pretty harmless, though still not pleasant to look at and could be a sign of a much bigger problem.
Here are 5 of the most common bugs that could indicate that you have a water problem in your basement:
1. Silverfish
Silverfish, also known as fish moths, are silver grey creatures that grow to be one inch long. They are nocturnal creatures so you probably won’t see them during the daytime unless you disturb their resting spot. Occasionally, you may even spot them wriggling in an empty bathtub in the morning. They can feed on paper, fabric, coffee, sugar, clothing, and even human hair. This can make them especially unpleasant.
2. Centipedes
Did you know that centipede is Latin for hundred feet? While some have more and other have less, they can come in various shapes and sizes. They are carnivorous despite their tiny size, though their mouth is too small to harm you, and aren’t fond of a clean home.
3. Mold Mites
When you have a damp basement, there is a good chance that you have mold too. Along with harboring mold, there is a good chance that you are also harboring a colony of mold mites as well. These tiny creatures are hard to spot and tend to feed on cheeses, meats, nuts, and seeds. While you can kill them pretty easily, the long-term solution is to just get rid of the mold.
4. Earwigs
When you are out in the forest, you can find earwigs pretty easily near any rotting trees. However, you can find them in a damp basement too. With them being nocturnal, you probably won’t see them much during the daytime. They also tend to scuttle out of cracks in order to feed on a variety of insects and plants.
5. Sow Bugs
Sow bugs, also known as woodlice or armadillo bugs, are great for the garden as they can generate compost and loosens up the soil. If it becomes dry outside, they might crawl into a damp basement in surprising numbers. Though they are not a very problematic pest, they can be quite a challenge to get rid of. Your best line of defense is to simply eliminate the moisture from your basement.
If you need help eliminating the moisture or mold from your basement, contact AAA Waterproofing for all of your basement waterproofing and mold mediation needs. After 28 years of experience, there has never been a damp basement or mold situation we couldn’t handle.
So let us help you get rid of your moisture problem so you can kick bugs to the curb!