How to Keep Your Basement as Bug-Free as Possible

Bugs are somewhat of a given in basements—but they don't have to be.

Basements not only add enjoyable living space to your home, but your lower level can serve as a destination for much-needed storage , too. Because of its mixed-purpose use in your home, and its location, basements can also, unfortunately, be a potential destination for bugs. So, we asked pest management experts for their secrets for keeping bugs out of the basement.

Meet the Expert

• Shannon Harlow-Ellis , associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company
• Marc Mayer , director of technical operations at TruGreen

Related: 4 All-Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home Permanently

How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Basement

Keep your basement clean

If you use your basement for recreational purposes, or for entertaining, be sure to keep the space clean and tidy. After eating in the basement, vacuum the carpets or clean hardwoods and dispose of trash promptly. Bugs are drawn to food, so proactive actions could help reduce the chance of their arrival. “Arthropods need three basic things to thrive: food, water, and shelter,” said Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager. So, keeping your basement cleaner may deter unwelcome pests.

Check water sources

Ensuring that downspouts are turned away from the home and not puddling at the base will reduce bugs' attraction to this area, and will also ensure there’s proper drainage on the exterior, said Harlow-Ellis. In addition, leaky water faucets and pipes should be repaired since many common species of bugs are attracted to water sources.

Reduce clutter

Because of their location and size, basements often become the depot for unwanted clutter, like toys, suitcases, old clothes, unused sports equipment, and other odds and ends. But, this clutter can be a breeding ground for bugs. Reducing clutter can remove hiding spaces for bugs. Once a season, if possible, tidy up storage areas and keep things more organized.

Inspect your foundation

Whether you assess the foundation yourself or ask a professional to help, make sure all cracks and openings into your basement are sealed. Bugs can enter through very small openings.

Make sure window screens and doors are sealed

As mentioned, pests can enter via very small holes and cracks, so it’s best to weather-strip outside doors and screens for an added barrier . This strategy can be performed twice a year to maintain the integrity of your doors and windows.

Pick your exterior materials with care

As attractive as natural mulch is, many insects eat or dwell in decomposing organic material, so Harlow-Ellis advises opting for rubber mulch or stone instead. “There are many species of what we classify as ‘occasional invaders’ that feed on plants, so keeping your landscape beds at minimum six inches from the structure will also be a benefit,” she says.

Why do bugs enter the basement?

There are many pests that will enter a basement or structure this time of year to do what's termed “overwintering,” which simply states that they want a warm, safe place to spend the winter, Harlow-Ellis says. “This includes pests such as many species of beetles, stink bugs, rodents and more,” she adds.

What can you prevent?

Don’t be fooled into thinking that proper home maintenance and cleaning daily will keep your home completely bug free. “I wouldn’t say anything is 100% preventable as it is virtually impossible to find every crack or hole in the exterior of a structure, especially in older homes,” explained Harlow-Ellis. “However, sealing up cracks, crevices, windowsills, and door gaps will help reduce the activity of all pests.”

How does outside maintenance affect bug issues?

Maintaining your landscape, keeping trees and shrubs off the structure, keeping lawns mowed, and controlling moisture will remove many of the necessary elements for pest harborage. In addition, Marc Mayer, TruGreen’s director of technical operations, said homeowners can seek treatment services (like sealing cracks, gaps, and small holes around the foundation and siding) that target the home’s exterior to prevent pests from entering. “In fact, according to TruGreen’s previous original research, professionals remain a go-to resource with 68% of respondents saying they would hire a professional for bug or pest concerns,” he says. So you're not alone if you'd rather have someone else deal with your basement pest problems.

Related: How to Get Rid of Winter Pests—and Keep Them Out of Your House

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