Basements are notorious for being dark, damp, and creepy. One of the biggest factors driving up the creepiness factor are spiders, spider webs, and other insects in general. Even if you have a well-lit basement, no one is going to feel comfortable when there are pests present. To make your basement as comfortable and cozy as possible, here’s what you need to know about how to prevent spiders and other insects from getting in your basement.
First, you want to make sure you seal all cracks and other small openings to your basement. This means taking a good hard look at your home to see where these critters may be getting in. As you walk around your home, thoroughly inspect windows, doors, and any other areas where there is a break in your exterior. Not only will sealing up these cracks and holes help keep insects and spiders out, but it’ll help you save on your energy bill as well. Use caulk to fill in the cracks and fix your doors and windows so there are no gaps or openings.
Once you’ve addressed the outside of your basement, it’s time to take a look at the inside. Spiders are attracted to clutter, so if you can keep the clutter to a minimum you’ll be able to help keep them out of your home. This includes realistically going through your things to determine what you should and shouldn’t keep. Have a yard sale to free up some space and make some extra cash. Once you’ve downsized, store things away from the walls so the spiders won’t be tempted to build nests on your things. Plastic totes are a great way to store your things as cardboard boxes are an attraction for pests, which can attract spiders for their next meal.
Another way to help keep spiders away from your basement is by keeping clutter away from your basement and out of the metal window wells. During your basement window well installation, a drainage system was installed to help keep water away from your home. Your window well also serves as an egress or emergency escape for basement occupants. While your window well serves many purposes, it can also attract clutter by making it an easy trap for leaves, sticks, toys, and other debris to fall in and collect.
Metal grate window well covers can help to keep some of this debris out of your window well, as can bubble window well covers. If you’re in the market for a window well cover, Windowell Expressions of Salt Lake City can help you find the clear, grate, or even custom window well covers to fit your needs
Lastly, you can use peppermint oil spray to help prevent spiders and other insects from getting in your basement. Peppermint oil is a spider repellent and when used as a spray, you can keep the spiders away. Use the spray near light bulbs, inside gaps and holes, and on window sills to keep the critters out.
