What can we do about our pest problem in our basement?

Question

My Fiancee and I are living in the basement of her parents' home. But we have a problem with bugs. There have been roaches, spiders, crickets, ticks, ants, dirt dobbers, wasps, and other insects and pests down in our basement. We are just now transitioning to live down in the basement, and we are making it inhabitable. It still requires cleaning on the floor especially.

Outside, we have pet chickens, dogs, and cats. This is a big concern, because we don't want to put any pesticides or poisons out there that may hurt our pets.

What can we do about this insect problem? Is there a safe or organic solution? Where can we find it?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

This bug cleaning should have been done before you moved in. I understand about harmful pesticides, but one home we bought years ago was overrun by large cockroaches! I am terrified by these ugly bugs. We kept our furniture packed in a  building on the property. Bomb sprays did not even dent the problem. A bug man came out and sprayed, and they still returned later. Finally I bought Boric Acid, it is a powder. I put this powder all around the kitchen, in corners, in cabinets and around cabinets. Left it for three weeks, came back and cleaned up. No more bugs. Lived there for four years.