Pests in Your Crawlspace

If not properly insulated, dry and protected, crawlspaces attract all kinds of pests and rodents.

Find out what to watch for and how to prevent a pest infestation in your crawlspace.

What Types of Pests Invade Crawlspaces

Primarily, moist, humid conditions attract all kinds of pests and rodents and encourage them to take up residence in your crawlspace.

Here are some of the most common invaders:

• Spiders
• Cockroaches
• Earwigs
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Mice
• Rats

While some of these pests are harmless, some of them are destructive, spread disease and can destroy structural elements of your home.

Pest droppings and rodent feces and urine emit foul odors and release airborne viruses into air circulating throughout your home.

Rodents and pests like mice and termites chew through insulation and wood.

Bigger destructive rodents like possums, skunks and raccoons may also settle in. These larger rodents increase the risk of spreading disease, rabies, viruses and tick or flea infestations. If they choose your crawlspace as a nesting place, the babies may attract even more wild predators.

Signs of a Pest Infestation

Inspect your crawlspace seasonaly and keep an eye out for signs of unwelcome pests and rodents. Always wear a mask during inspections to avoid inhaling nasty fumes and dust.

Here are some of the common signs of a pest invasion in your crawlspace:

Foul Odors

Urine, feces and other fluid secretions can leave behind foul, pungent odors.

Droppings

Droppings are usually small, but typically hard and dry.

Bite or Chew Marks

Inspect the space for chew marks or damage, especially to wood.

Shredded Insulation

Rodents love using insulation for warmth, to keep dry and especially to line their nests. Other signs of nesting are piles of sticks, brush or twigs.

Burrowing Holes

Watch for signs of burrowing such as holes dug in the ground where rodents head underground for protection or warmth.

What Attracts Pests to a Crawlspace

Here are some of the things that attracts pests and rodents to your crawlspace:

• Damp, musty conditions.
• Cracks and holes in crawlspace walls.
• Overgrown shrubs, bushes or brush.
• Rotting wood.
• Garbage or storage of containers holding crumbs (like a cooler).

Conclusion

Breathing in pest-infested air coming from your crawl space is neither pleasant nor healthy.

For solutions to keep your crawlspace dry and free from pests, contact the professionals at RCS in Santa Rosa. We offer tried and true solutions to eliminate pests and improve air quality in your home.