So we have a problem with sow-bugs in the basement. Somebody suggested we put a de-humidifier in. I did it a week ago and haven’t seen a bug since!
yay!! (knock on wood).
Yeah, sow bugs like dark, moist areas. They hang out around the perimeter of structures, in mulch and soil. They will either blunder into basements or else move inside to get out of the heat and dryness as the day wears on. A dehumidifier will most definitely help, if not solve the problem.
There has long been a movement afoot in the pest control industry to move toward Integrated Pest Management, which uses a mixture of limited pesticide use and environmental modifications. This requires the cooperation of the homeowner or business owner, sometimes a little more money (if it requires repairs or some sort of equipment like a dehumidifier) and a technician who can recognize conducive conditions when he sees them.
The most effective pest control occurs when there is teamwork. I have the knowledge, training, experience, equipment and materials. But the residents are the ones who are there all the time, and if they’re not improving the conditions, they’re likely making them worse. Nothing is more frustrating than to make recommendations and not have them followed. And not everyone realizes that at least a good 80% of effective pest control is sanitation.
Not every pest problem can be solved this simply, and sometimes pesticides must be used; there is no other choice. But you’ve found an environmentally friendly solution to this problem. And you’ll have a drier basement, so less chance of water rot and that yucky mildew smell. Congratulations.