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Tag Archives: Pest

crawl space under home

Pests in Your Crawlspace

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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.

unfinished basement

Solving the Mystery of Recurring Moisture Issues in Basements and Crawl Spaces

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When it seems like every time it rains or gets humid outside, the lower level and crawl space in your home is damp, full of moisture and maybe even standing water.

Identifying the source of moisture and why it continues to be a recurring problem in these same areas is the first step to eliminating the problem for good.

Basements and Crawl Spaces = High Risk Areas

After or even during a rainstorm, you probably head straight to the basement to check for water. Despite taking preventative measures, you continue to combat moisture issues.

The common denominator for these moisture problems is water. The goal is to solve the mystery of how it’s getting inside your home.

If water enters the basement and/or crawl space and has no way to escape or dry out, moisture and dampness is going to continue to be your issue.

Unresolved moisture issues ultimately lead to bigger issues such as mold, odor, structural damage and pest infestations.

Breaking Down Potential Water Sources in High Risk Areas

Basements

If your gutters are failing, water slides down the sides of your home, pools around your foundation and gets inside. Make sure your gutters are clean, in good working order and downspouts direct water well away from the foundation of your home.

If you notice cracks in the basement walls, it’s another place where water is able to get inside. If there is carpet or cardboard boxes on the floor, the water will soak right in, remain wet and become moldy and musty.

Leaky pipes and faucets in the basement are another source for moisture and standing water problems.

Old basement windows may very well have broken or cracked seals allowing water to enter the home.

Crawl Spaces

Many of the same moisture issues that affect the basement also affect crawl spaces.
Excess moisture or water in crawl spaces may result from standing groundwater, failing gutters, faulty grading around the foundation, leaking pipes or leaky windows.

The bigger problem with crawl spaces is that you don’t check those spaces often, which gives water a chance to stand and pool without ever drying out.

Too much water in a crawl space causes damage to any insulation or mechanicals stored there. Standing water in a crawl space is a breeding ground for all kinds of insects or rodents, in addition to making conditions perfect for mold.

Call a Professional

When you’ve checked all the areas, repaired what you could see yet continue to experience water issues, call a professional to check the basement and crawl space areas. Keep in mind that dampness and moisture problems lead to bigger problems for you and your home down the road.

A professional service can find the source of the water, thoroughly dry affected areas and seal/drain the crawl spaces to prevent further problems and damage.

In Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County areas, call RCS for expert moisture prevention recommendations, services and a free estimate.

home attic

3 Tips to Keep Your Attic Spotless

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Many use their attics as a storage space, but it has a much greater purpose than just holding items. In fact, attics are used to keep your home insulated and even protect your living space from structural damage. This post will explore more about why it’s vital to keep this space in good condition.

Why Do I Need to Clean My Attic?

You might be surprised to learn that it’s crucial to clean your attic. Here are a few reasons why.

It Removes Pests: Numerous pests, like rats and cockroaches, will live in your attic if they have enough places to hide. If your attic has numerous boxes or a build-up of insulation and debris, it will become a haven for them. By cleaning out your attic, it will discourage them from living in the space.

It Improves Air Quality: Cleaning your attic can also improve your home’s air quality. By removing dust and other particles, it will open up your duct system. This can prevent the pieces from getting sucked into the vents and being blown throughout your home. Besides giving you fresher air, it will also prevent respiratory irritation.

It Cuts Back On Your Energy Bill: While an attic is a great storage space, too many items in it can become a problem. This is because the weight can create cracks in the floors and walls that can cause air to seep out. Due to this, your heater and air conditioner will end up overworking because it’s trying to heat up or cool down the space. By cleaning it, you can easily prevent this pricey problem.

3 Tips to Keep Your Attic Spotless

There are plenty of ways you can keep your attic clean. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Use a Vacuum: While sweeping can help, vacuuming is often better. This is because it will remove debris rather than just brushing it around.

Check for Mold: You’ll also want to look for mold in your attic. If you see some growing, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could cause structural damage and affect your living space’s air quality.

Be Consistent at Cleaning: One of the best ways to keep your attic spotless is to be consistent with cleaning it out. By dedicating a day or two each month to removing junk and vacuuming the space out, you can keep your attic in good condition.

Keeping your attic clean is important if you want to prevent pests and other problems. In Sonoma County, RCS can assist with this by sending out a team to inspect the space. They can give you guidance as to how it could be cleaned and check that there aren’t any underlying issues.

rodent post

3 Common Home Pests

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Many homeowners have to watch out for nasty pests that like to live in their home. While these can be unsightly to find running around in your living space, they can also bring diseases. Because of this, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Below you’ll find more about why they are so dangerous and some of the most common types found in homes.

The Dangers of Pests in the Home

Pests aren’t only a nuisance, but can bring serious health hazards with them. Some of the most common problems they cause include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma attacks
  • Lyme disease
  • Headaches
  • Fevers

3 Common Home Pests

Cockroaches: Cockroaches can quickly populate and spread a foul odor throughout your home. They often get into your residence by hiding in bags, furniture, or pipes.

Rodents: Rodents can spread numerous diseases, some of which can be fatal. They leave behind urine, droppings, and saliva that can be difficult to see at first. These pests tend to enter homes through cracks, vents, and chimney openings.

Termites: Termites are notorious home pests. Because of their small size, they can be invisible to the human eye, but their damage is very obvious once it begins. Termite damage can result in buckling floors, wood dust, and mud tubes on the edges of walls.

How to Prevent Them

There are a few different ways you can safely prevent these pests from stopping by your living space.

Apply Peppermint Oil to Areas: To keep pests away, consider applying peppermint oil to areas they congregate in. You can put about five drops on a cotton ball and then place it around the spots of concern. This will help deter rodents and numerous types of insects.

Make Sure to Clean: One of the most common reasons pests enter the home is because they’re looking for a place to live or find food. It’s crucial to clean up any leftover food and trash and ensure your trash cans are tightly closed to prevent enticing pests.

Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows: If there are gaps around your doors or windows, it can invite pests to crawl through. You can do this by applying a layer of caulking around the edges. You could also tape weather stripping around them.

Finding pests crawling through your home can be a huge inconvenience and health risk. By keeping these tips in mind, you can keep them away. If you’re currently experiencing rodent  problems in your home, RCS can help. We offer a rat dropping clean-up service that ensures these hazardous particles are quickly and safely removed.

moisture barrier

What is a Moisture Barrier?

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Keeping your crawl space free from moisture is crucial if you want to prevent potential home damage. One way to do this is with the help of a moisture barrier. This article will explore more behind what this tool is and the benefits it offers. 

How Does a Moisture Barrier Work?

A moisture barrier is a plastic or foil sheet designed to hold water vapor. This prevents condensation from escaping into the ground or nearby walls where it could cause mildew or structural damage. 

The Moisture Barrier Installation Process

Installing a moisture barrier can be a little tricky. The easiest way to do so is by measuring the crawl space and then cutting out the moisture barrier fabric to fit those dimensions. It’s important to also add an extra inch or two to the measurements so the moisture barrier covers the ground edges. After doing so, you can install the barrier by securing it to the ground with stakes or gluing it to the crawl space’s wall. 

4 Benefits of a Moisture Barrier

  • It Prevents Mildew: One of the main benefits of a moisture barrier is that it prevents mildew. When condensation forms, it makes surfaces wet. Most of the time, these surfaces are unable to dry which leads to the mildew spreading and eventually forming odors. A moisture barrier collects water vapor and helps it to naturally evaporate rather than soak into surrounding areas. 
  • It Eliminates Odors: You’ll also find that a moisture barrier eliminates odors. This is because it prevents mildew and mold from forming which can result in a strong musty smell throughout your home. These smells aren’t only unpleasant, but can also cause severe allergies. 
  • It Protects Your Pipes: Many different types of pipes are located in your crawl space. If they aren’t protected from water, they could corrode. A moisture barrier prevents this because it stops water from seeping into the ground and walls where the pipes are located. 
  • It Deters Pests: You might be surprised to learn that moisture barriers can deter pests. By sealing your crawl space with a moisture barrier, it will keep them from crawling into the area where they might build nests or chew through your pipes and wires. 

A moisture barrier is a helpful tool to install in your crawl space. Not only does it protect your home’s structure, but prevents the spread of mold. If you’re interested in learning more about them or would like one installed, consider contacting RCS. 

clean crawlspace santa rosa

The Purpose of a Clean Crawl Space

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Cleaning out your crawl space probably isn’t on the top of your list of things to do; dirt, cobwebs, dust, bugs, and other creatures lurking in the darkness just doesn’t seem appealing. You’d rather pay someone else to clean it out so you don’t have to deal with the unknown and extra work but aren’t really sure how much it will set you back. Or maybe you’ll just leave it be; you don’t know anyone who has ever cleaned out their crawl space…what could go wrong?

Well…a lot could go wrong. And hiring a professional to clean out your crawl space could potentially cost between $500 and $4,500 and upwards of $15,000 at the high end if you are needing extensive repairs and cleaning. Waiting until something disastrous or costly happens is definitely not recommended and basic cleanings and maintenance to avoid that from happening is recommended.

So Why Should You Keep Your Crawl Space Clean?

The crawl space of a home is not just a dark tunnel of nothingness or insignificant to the quality of the home. It actually serves an important purpose. Here are a few reasons why that deep, dark void needs to stay in tip-top shape:

  • Air quality: Any dampness down in your crawl space can cause mold or mildew to develop and because the air from your home circulates into your crawl space and attic and back into the home, you may smell a musty odor. If there is a rodent or pest infestation down there, the droppings left behind can cause an unpleasant odor as well, negatively affecting your home’s air quality.
  • Energy efficiency: Old crawl spaces and ones that have not been maintained throughout the years can start to develop wear and tear. Cracks, holes, and poor insulation can cause your energy bill to increase. Having an inspection done or going down there yourself every once in a while will save you money and a huge headache in the end.
  • Pests: Rats, mice, and bugs love a warm, dark space away from humans to live. The droppings from these pests as well as their dead and decaying little bodies can not only cause a nasty odor to seep into your home but also can get out of control—AKA an infestation, which will be more nasty and costly later on to get rid of. Making sure cracks, holes, and gaps are repaired and checking to see if any rodents are nibbling on your insulation are beneficial things to do regularly.
  • Mold: Dampness and leaks can lead to rot, mildew, and mold, and if left unchecked, can be expensive to remove and very harmful to your health, as mold spores can easily spread.

Those listed above seem reason enough to take care of your crawl space. Checking for pests, moisture, and any repair needs regularly can save you huge repair and cleaning costs. It is recommended by professionals that you check your crawl space every six months or so. Choose two months and stick with them from year to year to ensure healthy air quality and good energy efficiency.

If you do decide that you need a professional, thankfully there are businesses like Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc. to take care of you, so don’t hesitate to contact them! They have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa, CA and North Bay areas since 1975.