Basements creep people out, and it's no small wonder. They're dark, damp, and full of shadows- and some of the most ghoulish-looking household pests are attracted to that. Earwigs, spiders, silverfish, and centipedes aren't cuddly creatures, but do you really need to worry about basement bugs in your Wellesley, Massachusetts home?

In short: not really. The common basement pests in our area likely pose little threat to you or your property. Here's a brief overview of the invaders that may be in your basement, what damage they can do, if any, and when to be concerned.

Earwigs

Easily recognized by their pincers, earwigs (like most basement pests) prefer damp areas with plenty of hiding places. They primarily come out at night to hunt. Despite the intimidating appearance of their pincers (scientifically known as cerci), earwigs cannot sting, bite, transmit diseases or cause structural damage. They can pinch if handled, but we're willing to bet you're not picking them up.

Spiders

We've all fallen victim to a rogue spider web, or an unexpected visitor in the corner of our shower. While nobody enjoys these kinds of surprises, it's very unlikely that spiders in your Massachusetts home are poisonous. Some may bite when faced with large prey (i.e. us), but are for the most part harmless. The presence of spiders may indicate a problem with other indoor pests that provide a food source.

Hinting at another pest problem isn't going to pay a spider's rent, though. A professional can take care of a spider issue, regardless of their "helpfulness". 

Silverfish

Arguably one of the least attractive critters to find in your home is the silverfish. With their silver scales, long tail "bristles", and long antennae, they appear much larger than they are. Due to a lack of wings, they wriggle in a motion similar to that of a fish- hence the name.

Despite their goosebump-inducing, almost dinosaur-like appearance, silverfish do not pose a threat to humans. They cannot bite, sting, or damage structures. That said, they can chew through packaging, upholstery, clothing, paper, and other items, so it is often best to call the pros.

Centipedes

The aptly-named house centipede, like the silverfish, can intimidate by looks alone. With long bodies and fifteen (!!) pairs of legs, centipedes look like worthy opponents. It is uncommon to encounter one due to their nocturnal nature, but they are capable of "stinging" when threatened (these incidents are rare).

Similar to spiders, centipedes can help to hint at and reduce populations of other household insects, but treatment is available if they've decided they like your house too much.

Long story short, the majority of "basement bugs" are harmless to people, pets, and structures-- But if populations grow out of control and begin to interfere with daily life, the experts at Burgess Pest are here to help get rid of what's making your skin crawl.