Do you also think seeing a few ants around the basement of your Surrey home is nothing to worry about? What if it’s a sign of a developed colony of ants? In Surrey, weather conditions are mild, and the moisture content in the air is high. It creates the perfect environment for ants to settle inside your home.
You may use some sprays, thinking ants will not come back again. However, they often return within a few days, especially in your basement. Now, the main concern is why they are common in Surrey’s moist basements. Let’s figure this out.
Reasons Ant Infestations are Common in Surrey’s Moist Basements
1. Surrey’s Humid Climate
Surrey has a relatively humid and wet climate throughout the year. Frequent rain and cool temperatures keep the soil around your house moist. This moisture seeps through the ground and into the basement. It makes your basement more inviting for ants.
Even homes with good insulation often fail to keep out the effects of the local weather conditions. Ants love this environment because it helps them stay cool and protected. It means your basement naturally becomes a target for ant colonies, especially during spring and summer.
2. Cracks and Entry Points in Basements
Ants are small and can easily enter your basement’s foundation, walls, or floors through tiny holes. These small gaps may not be visible, but they offer easy access for ants to enter and leave. Older homes or houses with poor sealing are especially at risk. Once ants find an entry point, they leave behind a scent trail to guide others.
As a result, one or two ants can lead to a full infestation. Sealing these gaps is crucial to stop ants. However, many people don’t notice them until the ants develop colonies inside their basements.
3. Hiding Spots
If your basement is full of boxes, unused furniture, or old storage items, ants will love it. Clutter provides quiet hiding places. Ants prefer to build nests in dark and undisturbed areas where they feel safe from movement or threats.
Piles of clutter also make it harder for you to spot infestations early. You may only see the ants when the colony has already grown. You can keep your basement tidy and organized to reduce hiding places and make it easier to notice any activity before it becomes a major problem.
4. Food Sources
Though basements aren’t used for dining, many people store snacks and pet food there. If any food items are not sealed properly or crumbs are left behind, ants will find them. Even a tiny spill can attract an entire colony. Once ants discover a food source, they send out signals to their colony.
5. Easy Access to Nesting Areas
Basements are close to the ground. In many homes, the foundation connects directly to garden soil or outside areas. It makes it easy for ants to get inside, especially when the ground is wet and soft.
Some species of ants, such as carpenter ants or pavement ants, prefer to nest near soil but enter homes in search of better shelter. If your home has flower beds or bushes near the basement walls, the risk increases. Ants can travel from their outdoor nests straight into your basement without any trouble.
6. Nearby Vegetation
Trees, shrubs, or vines that touch your home’s exterior walls or windows can act like a bridge for ants. These plants often stay moist, especially in Surrey’s rainy climate, and provide a direct path for ants to enter basements.
Once they reach the walls or small openings, it takes very little effort for them to find a way inside. If plants are growing close to your house, it gives pests more access points.
7. Warmth and Shelter
Though basements feel cool, they offer warmth and shelter compared to the outdoor environment, especially during colder months. Ants look for stable environments to survive extreme weather, and basements provide just that.
The temperature remains steady, and the moist conditions help ants stay hydrated. If the outside soil becomes cold or wet, ants may build their colony inside. Once they find a warm, damp area, they start building their colony.
8. Delayed Detection and Action
Ants are sneaky. They usually enter quietly and build up their colony without causing much disturbance. Because basements aren’t used daily, many people don’t notice the infestation right away.
When you spot a trail of ants, the colony may have already been established. Delayed response gives ants more time to spread, which makes the infestation harder to control.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations in Moist Basements?
Only knowing why ant infestations are common in Surrey’s moist basements is not enough. You should know how to prevent them to avoid damage to your property and reduce the risk of health problems. You can adopt the following strategies to control an ant infestation.
Keep the Basement Dry: You can use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels. You should check for leaks in pipes or walls and repair them immediately. Ants are attracted to damp areas, so reducing humidity makes your basement less inviting.
Seal All Cracks and Gaps: You should inspect your basement walls, windows, and foundation for tiny cracks or holes. Even small openings are enough for ants to enter. You can use caulk or sealant to block these gaps.
Reduce Clutter: Ants love hiding in undisturbed areas filled with boxes, paper, or old items. Therefore, you should declutter your basement regularly to reduce hiding spots. A clean and open space makes it harder for ants to settle in and easier for you to spot their presence.
Hiring Professionals: If ants have already invaded your basement, you should call experts to deal with them. In Surrey, you can rely on our company, Total Pest Control for effective ant control solutions. We are a trusted company with a team of certified pest exterminators to remove ants and other creepy creatures from any space.
Moisture, easy access, and plenty of hiding spots are the main reasons behind ant infestations in Surrey’s basements. You can control them by sealing entry points, reducing the clutter, and getting help from professionals.