Itsy Bitsy

[Meaney]

Ok, I figured I would put this is the home improvement forum, because it is kind of a home improvement.. I think

Anyways, I have spiders and centipedes in my basement. it is a finished basement. I have curtains over the window so it is dark in the basement 80% of the day...always stays cold down there too. What would a guy do to get rid of these itsy bitsy creepy crawlers...is there a spray or do I call an exterminator? Much thanks

[311Hemi]

It is damp and cool in your basemeant, or do you have a dehumidifier running down there?

Spiders and insects thrive more in damp cool places.

[Meaney]

no dehumidifier, it is just cool and damp naturally

[311Hemi]

I would start by getting a dehumidifier down there and getting rid of the dampness.

I have never used pesticides but I am sure some others will have more suggestions.

I saw a decrease after adding a dehumidifier to my basement last year.

[HOF#13]

Terro makes a spray that you use inside around your baseboards / windows / etc. However, I would also spray the outside of your house / foundation with Malathion or some similar type of bug killer. You could also set off a bug bomb or two in your basement to kill them ASAP, but you'll still want to spray the outside of your house.

[Meaney]

Thanks gents, I did make it out tonight to Menards and bought some bug spray for indoors, and never thought of getting an outdoor spray. Oh well, that just gives me another reason to go back to Menards. oh, and I also bought a dehumidifier.

[htgeren]

I put a dehumidifier down in mine this spring. For some reason theres a drastic reduction in the amount of creepy crawlies. Used to find millipedes/spiders everyday. Now I cant rememeber the last one i found down there.

[Meaney]

Yea, Had my dehumidifier run all night and that sucker pulled out a lot of water fast! its funny to think all that water was in the air. I also sprayed like crazy in the basement last night, got a lot of pleasure seeing those creepy crawlies curling up and croaking! haha.. Lets see how long it lasts.

[fadal]

I had the same problem untill I bought ORTHO MAX red and white container I spray around the house outside and inside every 3 months. We have been bug free for 2 years.