For all you scary movie fans out there, the attic and basement seem to be the two most commonly haunted and creepy parts of the house. Unfortunately, they also tend to be where most pests dwell when they enter your home, especially during the winter and summer.
It’s not uncommon for Maryland homeowners to reach out to us after discovering rodents, cockroaches, or even termites in the basement or attic. However, understanding what pests commonly occupy these spots in your home will help you know where to search for them if you suspect an infestation.
Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or simply want to know how to avoid one, this guide covers everything you need to know about the pests most commonly found in basements and attics in Maryland.
Common Pests Found in Basements
Basements tend to be the most common location in which pests are discovered between the two. Think about it: basements have heat and places to hide and are typically where most houses risk moisture intrusion.
Therefore, you need to be on the lookout for these common pests inside your basement.
Mice and Rats
Rodents, specifically house and deer mice are attracted to basements because they are typically dark and quiet, which makes these areas a safe place for them to nest. Basements with clutter, loose insulation, or exposed wiring will be a plus for these creatures.
Termites
The biggest reason termites are attracted to basements is because they are in contact with soil, which is needed for them to survive. Most often, you will be able to spot mudtubes that run from an exterior window down to your basement, where termites have established a colony.
Cockroaches
Basements tend to be dark and damp, which makes these areas of the home appealing to cockroaches. These pests thrive in these types of environments, so if you suspect you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation, you may want to check the basement first.
Ants
Like many pests, ants are also attracted to moisture, making basements an ideal place for them to dwell. Pavement ants, carpenter ants, and tiny black ants are all known to establish colonies in basements, making their way across the house in search of food. If you spot ants in your home, follow them to their nest; it will most likely be your basement or inside your walls.
Spiders
Spiders are some of the creepiest pests to come across in your basement, especially if it’s a dangerous one, like the brown recluse or black widow. It’s no secret that these creatures tend to hang around dark places where they can spot other pests. Other spiders commonly found in Maryland basements include cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and house spiders.
Silverfish
Silverfish are commonly found in basements with high moisture and humidity. While silverfish are not harmful to humans, finding one in your basement can be startling!
Common Pests Found in Attics
On the other side of your house lies the attic, which may invite in a whole new species of pests, especially if your roof has leaks or is not properly flashed. Some of the most common pests found in attics include:
Bats
Bats are commonly found in attics, as these areas of the home provide warmth and shelter for them to hibernate and give birth. They often gain access to attics through gaps in roof shingles and ventilation systems.
Squirrels
Like bats, squirrels are also attracted to attacks for the warmth and shelter they provide. Once they make their way inside, they will often nest and give birth.
Raccoons
Raccoons are typically drawn to places where they can access food, water, and shelter, which is how many of them end up in attics. Like bats, raccoons gain access to homes through gaps in the roof and vents.
Wasps and Hornets
Unlike basements, attics are typically warm and dry, which is why wasps and hornets are drawn to them. These pests like to overwinter in attics, and many homeowners won’t notice their pest problem until the summer months, when they become more active.
Mice
Mice like to live in basements and attics due to their warm and dark environments. Attics are also typically more secluded than other parts of the house, making them ideal hiding spots for these pests.
Termites
Termites are drawn to places where they can access wood to chew through, and attics often provide this resource. The quietness of attics can also be appealing to these pests. If your roof has recently leaked and your wooden rafters have been exposed to moisture, you’ll want to make sure termites don’t attack them.
Signs of a Pest Infestation in Your Basement or Attic
Recognizing the signs of a pest infestation can be difficult at first, especially in the early stages. However, there are a few telltale signs to look out for, including:
- Strange scratching noises coming from the walls and floors
- Insect or rodent droppings
- Discarded insect wings
- Gnaw marks on furniture and food containers
- Nesting materials
- Unusual or foul odors
- Unexplainable damage to your home or belongings
- Grease marks and tracks
- Seeing dead or alive pests in your home
To spot these signs, you’ll need to do a visual inspection of these areas. While terrifying, you’ll want to conduct this at night with a flashlight to spot any live pests, like cockroaches and rodents, that tend to be nocturnal.
How to Prevent Pests in Basements and Attics
While it is true that many household pests are more drawn to basements and attics than other parts of the house, there are steps you can take to prevent them from entering either part of your home.
Sealing entry points
Sealing all possible entry points, such as cracks and crevices in your home, can prevent pests from gaining access to your basement and attic. You can do this using store-bought caulk or sealant, which can be found at most home improvement stores. For extra pest-proofing power, you can also apply weatherstripping to your windows.
Install Proper Ventilation and Insulation
Proper ventilation and insulation in your basement and attic can make or break the pest-proofing of your home. This will help reduce humidity. Plus, new insulation is typically not desirable for pests like rodents. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Maintaining cleanliness
Maintaining general cleanliness in your home is important for so many reasons, especially when it comes to preventing pests. Washing your dishes shortly after using them, taking your trash out regularly, cleaning any excess clutter, and taking cardboard boxes outside can all reduce your chances of a pest infestation–even in your basement or attic.
Regular inspections
Having your home regularly inspected by a pest control professional can be your best bet when it comes to preventing pests. Having your home routinely inspected can also be beneficial if an infestation is developing, as you may be able to catch it in its early stages and take care of the problem immediately before these pests make their way to other parts of the home.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service
It is imperative that you contact a professional exterminator at the first sign of a pest infestation. If you ignore it or wait too long to contact an exterminator, you run the risk of the infestation growing and taking over your entire house.
An exterminator will be able to inspect your home to determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with and how severe the infestation is, as well as recommend a plan of action to kill the pests in your home.
FAQs
Can pests in the attic damage my home’s insulation?
Yes, the presence of pests in your attic can compromise your home’s insulation. Certain pests, such as termites and mice, may chew through your insulation and can cost you a lot of money in repairs.
How often should I inspect my attic or basement for pests?
For most homeowners, having your attic and basement inspected for pests should be done once per year. However, if you have a history of previous infestations or live in a high-risk area, you may want to have it inspected twice a year.