What Are The Crawl Space Pest Control Tips?

Many homeowners put a premium on keeping their homes tidy and pest-free. You should read this if you're worried about insects or rodents in your crawl space. It's essential to do whatever you can to rid your home of pests and keep them from returning, but we know from experience that crawl spaces are notoriously filthy and hard to maintain. 

How Do I Prevent Crawl Space Pests?

Since you probably don't spend much time in your crawl space, pest problems under your house can quickly become out of control.

It means that the best way to deal with pests is to attack them. You can avoid problems in your crawl space by taking some precautions.

Alter The Look Of Your Garden.

If your landscaping isn't well thought out or maintained, it could be luring unwanted visitors into your crawl space. Ants, centipedes, rodents, and termites are just some of the insects and animals that will colonise this organic debris.

But you can help limit and discourage pests by sealing off as many entry points to your space.

Mice, rats, and chipmunks, among others, are adept at fitting through openings as narrow as half an inch.

The following are examples of specific access points to a crawl space:

• Spaces between the soil and the foundation
• Spaces between your home's floor and the walls of the foundation
• Cracks and crevices in walls where plumbing or electrical lines pass.

Even though it's best to have a professional take care of it, you can fill those cracks with spray foam insulation or steel wool. You can also use caulk in tiny spaces (e.g., narrow gaps in your flooring).

Do not attempt to seal any ventilation holes in your foundation without first talking to a professional. If the vents are blocked off, you'll need to take other steps to keep the crawl space dry.

Control Moisture In The Crawl Space

Even though many crawlspace pests can go for extended periods without food, they will perish without some source of water or moisture. Pests like cockroaches and termites (both native to the tropics) require water to survive, and they multiply rapidly in damp environments. The following are three ways to reduce humidity and maintain a dry crawl space, which will help to avert many pest problems.

Establish A Vapour Barrier In The Crawl Space.

A vapour barrier is helpful for all crawl spaces, but it is vital for those with a soil floor. Crawl space vapour barriers are typically plastic sheeting laid on the soil to prevent groundwater from seeping into the space. 

The Use Of Crawl Space Encapsulation

In most cases, your home's building envelope does not entirely enclose the crawl space where your possessions are stored. Insects and rodents can ascend from the basement or crawl space and enter your home.

Before encapsulating a crawl space, it is essential to address any mould or drainage issues that may exist there.

Reinforced liners and dehumidifiers are standard components of encapsulation systems.

Once again, hiring a professional is recommended for installation and setup.

Put In Some Air Circulation Systems.

Additionally, crawl space issues like termites, beetles, ants, and mould are less likely to infest dry wood (12 per cent moisture content or less).

Clean Your Crawl Space Thoroughly And Eliminate Anything That Could Attract Pests.

Crawl spaces can be pest-free with consistent cleaning.

The crawl space beneath a house is ideal for stowing away items. But make sure there is no food in it, not even for the pets.

The presence of food, even if it is stored in a sealed container, attracts pests. Pests are attracted to food sources, so eliminate all potential pest harborage areas in your home.

You should empty yours as soon as possible if you find any food in it. Once the clutter has been removed, give your crawl space a good, in-depth cleaning to eliminate any leftovers.

Avoiding pests is easier if you keep your crawl space clean.

Clear Away Any Outside Leaves Or Trash.

You can avoid insect infestations by maintaining a clutter-free exterior.

Specific plant life serves as a magnet for many invasive insect species. The boxelder bug, for example, gets its name because it frequently visits boxelder trees.

Fruit trees and perennials with sweet nectar, such as hostas and roses, are favourites of rodents and other pests. Stinkbugs and chipmunks have a penchant for sugary foods and a tendency to seek shelter indoors when the temperature drops.

Tree branches and leaves that brush up against the house can give pests a nice, damp place to hide. Clean the area around your home's foundation walls and crawl space to deter pests.

Close All Holes And Cracks

House with a foundation crack that hasn't been sealed.

Insects and rodents can quickly enter a home through even the tiniest crevices.

Replace any splintered planks and fill in any other gaps with caulk, foam insulation, wood, or cement blocks.

Throw Some Light On It

Most insects and rodents in a crawl space will leave as soon as they see daylight.

Your basement or crawl space is not suitable for spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with nothing but a flashlight for company. However, you can install low-cost LED lighting.

You can deter pests without breaking the bank by using energy-efficient LED lights. With the proper lighting, you'll have an easier time servicing any appliance components or piping in the room.

Arrange Traps

There is a dead insect in the basement, next to the cockroach trap.

Trap traps to exterminate pests from your crawl space are efficient, cheap, and effective. The home's perimeter and interior should both be outfitted with traps.

Many different kinds of traps exist. Locally sourced traps are effective short-term, but the poison eventually wears off.

Having a hunting pet is another "trap" to fall. Some cats are excellent at catching and killing rodents like mice and rats, and some dogs will eat the occasional insect.

Have your pets check out the crawl space to see if they can spot any pests. When they are loose, you should not set any poison traps.

Install Proper Ventilation

Proximity to a dehumidifier and a mouldy wall.

Rodents and insects in the crawl space thrive in high humidity. Put in a dehumidifier to cut down on the dampness and moisture.

A ventilation system can prevent mould, mildew, and wood rot, but dehumidifiers are a quick fix. The ability to open and close vents is necessary for Minnesota due to the state's erratic climate.

Nowadays, it's not uncommon for builders to instal crawl space exhaust fans in their finished basements. If your home is older, however, you'll need to replace any beams that have rotted from moisture before you can instal them.

Using dirt and concrete for the walls and floors will further reduce the likelihood of mould growth.

Incapsulation Of The Subterranean Space

A vapour barrier is installed to help keep pests out of crawl spaces.

Plastic encapsulation is the most efficient method of controlling moisture levels, creating a vapour barrier, and sealing off any cracks.

When encapsulating your crawl space, the plastic forms a vapour barrier 20 millimetres thick. It will shield your crawl space from pests by completely enclosing it.

The Best Policy Is Routine Checkups

Professional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is offered by Environmental Pest Management, which you can learn more about here. When you sign up for this service, you can rest easy knowing you will protect your home from pests for as long as you own it.

What, why, how, and when questions can all be addressed by Environmental Pest Management. Their one-of-a-kind approaches will aid in identifying the source of the issue.

They will assist you in taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your home's base after the cause has been determined.

Inspections and treatments from Environmental Pest Management will keep your crawl space free of pests.

Put A Stop To Any Leaks.

Insects, and even rodents, can squeeze through cracks as small as a dime. Mice and rats, among other rodents, can fit through openings as small as a nickel, and larger ones, up to a quarter, without difficulty. Other pests like squirrels and bats can get inside a house if there are cracks or other openings in the structure's foundation.

Prevent these infestations by sealing any openings you find, both inside and outside the house. 

Use copper mesh and caulk to seal the crevices. If the holes are too big for caulk or copper mesh, then plywood must be used as a temporary fix.

Address Moisture Issues

Pest infestations are often signs of moisture issues within the home's interior, commonly found in crawlspaces. When these infestations occur, it's crucial to fix the water problem. Signs of moisture issues in crawlspaces can be indicated by foul musty odours, mould, dampness, evaporation, small pools of water, and excessive pest droppings in one location.

Pipes, plumbing, ventilation, and other home components may require maintenance or repair to prevent moisture seepage. You can avoid runoff pools around a house's foundation by directing rain gutters away from the structure. Dehumidifier installation is often recommended for damp basements and attics.

Arrange Traps

The right trap needs to be set for the correct pest infestation. Humane live traps are necessary for animals like squirrels, while glue traps like the Solutions Pro Rat Glue Board XL are effective for insects, rats, and mice.

Protect yourself and hide your scent from pests by donning gloves and a face mask before setting either trap. A rodent infestation will avoid the web for a while if they detect your smell. Crawlspace pest control is as easy as setting up a Solutions Pro Rat Glue Board XL or Solutions Humane Live Animal Trap against a wall. The humane live animal trap can be placed outside, but only against the side of the foundation wall that is always in the shade. The trapped animal may perish from dehydration or heat stress if exposed to the sun for too long.

It is essential to check on the traps daily to ensure that the bait inside is still effective. The Solutions Pro Rat Glue Board XL is included because it can trap numerous insects and rodents. Keeping dead rodent odours at bay and maximising glue tray trap efficacy necessitate daily replacement.

Insecticide Application Around The Outside Of The Area

Even if you haven't noticed any pests in your crawlspace, spray a long-lasting residual insecticide there just in case is still a good idea. Supreme IT and similar insecticides can effectively eliminate infestations for up to 90 days while treating over 70 different pest species. Reducing insect populations can also discourage bats from making homes in your attic or elsewhere on your property.

How much Supreme IT you'll need can be estimated by how much of the area you plan to treat is covered. The recommended application rate for Supreme IT is 1 ounce per gallon of water or 1,000 square feet per application.

To treat the area around your home's perimeter, you should spray it three feet high and three feet away from the house's base. When spraying, make sure to hit the following: cracks and crevices, electrical and plumbing penetrations, window and door frames, eaves, soffits, and rain gutters. Using the fan setting on the nozzle, spray the lawn from back to front to achieve a broadcast treatment. 

Always Perform Routine Maintenance

Most homeowners wrongly assume that merely clearing out their crawl spaces will deter pests. Still, this tidying up extends to the upkeep of the home's yard. Tall plant leaves and branches cast a cooling shadow, which traps moisture in the air.

When the grass gets higher than three inches, you'll need to mow to eliminate these problems. Remove dead or diseased leaves and branches from your plants. Make sure no plant branches are resting on your home's walls or roof, as this can provide easy access for pests.

Incapsulation Of The Subterranean Space

Most crawl spaces are unenclosed, making it easy for moisture and insects to enter the room. So, the first step any homeowner should take in repairing a crawl space is to have a professional encapsulate the area with a heavy and long-lasting vapour barrier. Sealing a crawl space is used to lower relative humidity and stop water seepage. When encapsulating, thick polythene plastic sheets are used to condition and line the floor and foundation walls.

Plug All Holes And Vents

Homeowners often overlook openings and vents in the crawl space. However, these parts are crucial. In the past, builders often left them unlocked, hoping that circulating air would keep the crawl space healthy. Unfortunately, this plan quickly backfired because open vents are magnets for pests and moisture. Professionals in the crawl space repair industry can instal airtight vent covers to solve these issues.

Use Insecticides

In addition to the above measures, we recommend spraying your crawl space with pesticides to keep unwanted visitors out for good. That being said, you shouldn't attempt this on your own. Even though it may look easy, you should avoid coming into contact with pesticides. Get in touch with a local pest control company. With their guidance, you won't have to guess which product goes with which task or wonder if any residue will remain on your skin after use.

Expert Pest Control Help Needed

Although it's possible to lay traps on your own, playing it safe is safer. Suppose you are experiencing an active pest problem and would like to either set traps or have the infestation wholly removed. 

Dehumidifier Installation:

A professional dehumidifier in your crawl space can help maintain comfortable humidity levels. Since there will be less moisture in the air, the area under your floor will be less inviting to pests and mould.

The removal of nearby bushes is another simple measure that can have a significant impact on the pest situation in your crawl space. Overgrown bushes, in particular, serve as daytime refuges for a wide variety of wildlife. But when night falls, they come out of the bushes and explore, eventually finding their way into your crawl space. Therefore, maintain regular trimming throughout the year to lessen the likelihood of pests making a home there.

Don't Store Edible Items In Your Crawl Space.

It's essential to be mindful of where and how you put trash. That is why none of it must be left on the kitchen table. Big and small creatures will be drawn to the scent of last night's dinner and descend upon your home in search of a free meal. Keep your trash in airtight containers until it's time to throw it away. The less likely animals will find trash in your yard, the better you should seal them.

In contrast to basements, crawl spaces are not suitable locations for food and drink storage. While they may be chilly and dark, their primary function is not to store food. It is so because pests will be drawn to any food supplies kept in this area below ground.

You should, however, exercise greater caution when carrying out trash disposal. You wouldn't dream of dumping garbage into your crawl space, but leaving food waste in poorly sealed bags in the trash can entice pests that could cause damage to your home. Animals like raccoons and bugs like cockroaches will swarm your garbage if you let them. Once that is complete, they will move on to your crawl space.

Re-Isolating The Area With New Insulation

Crawl space insulation, mainly fibreglass, absorbs moisture over time. The implications of this are disastrous. Several problems can arise from insulation that has become wet, including structural damage and pest infestation. Therefore, we advise completely replacing your insulation with damage-resistant materials from crawl space specialists.

Reduce Moisture And Drain Standing Water

A crawl space is ideal for most pests because of its dark, damp conditions. Therefore, decreasing humidity and getting rid of any standing water is the prudent thing to do. The most effective method is to set up a crawl space sump pump and a high-quality dehumidifier.

A dehumidifier, which reduces humidity, is essential for a healthy and risk-free crawl space. However, if you instal a sump pump, that water will be pumped out of your crawl space and away from your house's foundation. You should get in touch with experts if you want these appliances installed.

Close All Openings And Cracks

Insects and other pests won't enter your home through an open door because they are too crafty. Cracks and holes in the foundation are a common entry point for pests such as rodents and insects. However, they can fit through highly narrow openings. However, problems don't just use these openings; they also frequent vents in the crawl space.

Most homeowners leave their vents open to keep the air in the crawl space fresh and constantly to flow. But this invites unwanted guests like insects and moisture into your home to cause havoc. You should check the walls of your home's foundation for cracks that pests could use to enter.

Conclusion

So, what can you do to keep unwanted pests out of your house? Managing problems in a crawl space is challenging; here are some things to remember. First and foremost, you should caulk any gaps in the foundation and ensure that all cracks have been properly sealed. Insects and other unwanted guests won't be able to get inside your house as quickly. The presence of clutter in your yards, such as dead leaves or branches, can serve as a breeding ground for pests. Finally, think about purchasing crawl space insulation. It will not only help with pest control, but it will also make your home more energy-efficient.

Content Summary

• Insects can be a real pain, but this post will give you eco-friendly pest control strategies to help you get rid of them.
• Nonetheless, they do well as an organic pest control method.
• It's a good idea to have the curtains drawn and the blinds closed during the day.
• The summertime harvest often brings with it an infestation of bugs on the fruits and vegetables.
• All of your produce is at risk of infection.
• Household pets are a major entry point for insects, rodents, and other pests.
• Hide your garbage cans and keep your pet food and compost inside.
• Eliminating weeds and overgrowth around your property can help deter pests.
• No matter how hard you try, pests will find a way into your home.
• Natural and DIY pest control methods, on the other hand, are simple ways to safeguard your green thumb and the planet.
• As opposed to other non-systemic foliar treatments, Neem is the only one capable of killing leaf minors.
• The only plants you should spray neem on are those that already have the insect you're trying to get rid of, despite the fact that it degrades quickly.
• In many pyrethrin-based products, the active ingredients are chemicals that are fatal on contact.
• There is serious cause for concern over the use of pyrethrum-based pesticides in the fight against mosquito populations.
• Whether you're trying to get rid of bugs this summer and need some eco-friendly pest control techniques, or you're hoping to be proactive and avoid an infestation altogether, we hope this post was useful.
• We enjoy helping people by giving them advice on how to keep their homes healthier and pest-free.
• Many households keep pests at bay with the use of insecticides and fungicides.