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When it comes to pests, the vast majority love moisture. They don’t just love it; they need it to survive. This can make winter a tough time of year for pests. The water sources and general humidity that are so common in summer tend to dry out in the winter, leaving pests scrambling for moisture to ensure their survival.
Pests move into moist basements and crawlspaces in droves in the winter, usually finding everything they need to make it through the winter. Find out why your basement might be attracting pests this winter and what you can do to stop it with the following information from All-American Pest Control.
What Types of Pests Thrive in Moist Conditions During Winter?
A lot of pests survive the winter. Some remain active through the coldest months of the year, while others seek out a good place to shelter, then settle in to overwinter, becoming active again on particularly warm winter days and then again for good in the spring. Many of these pests seek out moisture-rich accommodations. Some of the most common pests to get into basements in the winter include:
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Cockroaches seeking warmth and water
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Silverfish that feed on paper, glue, and organic matter
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Spiders that love to hide in undisturbed, damp areas
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Ants that are nesting indoors
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Rodents in need of water and nesting spots
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Fungus gnats and springtails that feed on mold and damp organic material
What Makes Middle Tennessee Basements & Crawlspaces So Vulnerable in Winter?
There are many things that contribute to Nashville basements and crawlspaces providing the perfect winter conditions for pests. Older homes often have poor drainage due to broken or damaged drainage systems combined with soil that has become compacted over the years. When water backs up, it can leak into your basement.
Middle Tennessee’s humid summers also contribute to making your basement the ideal space for pests this winter. When humid air gets into your basement or crawlspace, it gets trapped there, leading to high moisture content year-round.
Our freeze-thaw cycles can also be to blame for making your crawlspace appealing to pests. As the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws, it shifts, making leaks worse and allowing cracks to form in your foundation. Not only does this allow moisture into your basement, but it also makes it easier for pests to get inside.
All of these factors combine to make your basement or crawlspace a moisture-rich environment that pests love. Inconsistent winter weather often results in dampness with no true drying period, which only serves to prolong pest activity.
How Can You Tell If Your Basement’s Attracting Pests?
There are several ways to tell if your basement is likely to be a hotspot of pest activity. First, you can look for the things that will attract pests to your basement, then you can look for the things that indicate that pests have already arrived.
Look for:
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Condensation or standing water
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Musty odors
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Mold growth on walls or stored items
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Droppings or bug sightings
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Damage to cardboard, paper, or wood
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Insect wings or exoskeletons around baseboards
All-American recommends checking your basement or crawlspace after rain or freezing temperatures to make sure no issues are developing.
How Can You Keep Your Basement and Crawlspaces Dry and Pest-Free All Winter?
Thankfully, you don’t have to just sit back and let pests move in with you. There are several things you can do to proactively keep your basement or crawlspace dry and free of pests. All-American Pest Control suggests the following proven preventative measures:
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Run a dehumidifier consistently
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Fix leaks quickly
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Seal cracks in the foundation and around utility lines
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Install or repair ventilation systems
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Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
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Clean regularly to remove food and nesting materials
When Should You Call a Professional for Help?
There are a few situations in your basement or crawlspace that might warrant a call to the professionals at All-American Pest Control.
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You’ve seen pests or signs of pests in your basement or crawlspace
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You’ve been trying to lower the humidity in your basement or crawlspace with little success
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Your basement or crawlspace has damage or mold issues
When you contact All-American, we will conduct a thorough inspection of the space and assess moisture issues along with pest activity, conducive conditions, and entry points. Not only can we offer you the pest control you need to get rid of unwanted pests and prevent new infestations, but we can also offer advice to help you seal your basement or crawlspace to prevent pests and moisture.
Final Reminder: Moisture Control is Pest Control
Although many pests get indoors in the winter in search of warmth, that’s not the only reason for winter pest infestations. When implementing a pest prevention plan, you have to keep moisture in mind as well. By keeping your basement or crawlspace dry, you can avoid many of the pest issues that plague Nashville homes each winter.
Contact All-American Pest Control for Winter Pest Prevention
To keep pests out of your basement or crawlspace this winter, be proactive! Contact All-American to schedule your free home evaluation. We’ll identify potential problem areas and pest activity and recommend a pest control plan that will best meet your needs.
Our services are designed to protect homes through each changing season. Whether you want our popular Perimeter Plus pest control, a green pest control option, or one of our other effective pest control plans, we offer the services you need for a dry basement and a pest-free home, all winter long. Contact us today.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Brentwood, Centerville, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Arrington, Leiper’s Fork, Windstone, Westhaven, McKay’s Mill, Ladd Park, Rizer Point, Silver Stream, Annandale, Canterbury, Governors Club, Avalon, LaurelBrooke, Belle Vista, Lockwood Glen, Lookaway Farms, Maplewood, McLemore Farms, Meadowview Estates, College Grove, Franklin, Nolensville, Primm Springs, as well as the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.