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Methods To Keep Pests Out Of Your Crawl Space

Lori Silva

Your home's crawl space elevates your house above the damp ground while providing easy access to plumbing and other utilities that run into the home. Unfortunately, a crawl space may provide an inviting space for animals and insects that are seeking shelter. The following can help prevent these problems while still ensuring your crawl space is accessible and ventilated properly.

Vapor Barriers

A vapor barrier consists of a rubber or thick plastic membrane that is attached to the open surfaces inside your crawl space. This barrier prevents moisture from forming inside the crawl space. Many pests, such as small mammals like rodents and raccoons, are drawn to crawl spaces for both water and shelter, so getting rid of the water helps make the space less appealing. The barrier can also prevent some pests, like insects, from crawling through the floorboards and into your home. Installing a vapor barrier is not typically a DIY job since it must be put in properly to ensure that condensation doesn't become a problem.

Crack Sealing

A crawl space should be closed in so that no pests can simply walk into it. This is typically achieved with wooden or concrete walls that have vents installed for airflow. Unfortunately, cracks and holes can develop in the crawl space walls. Inspect your walls a few times a year. If you spot any gaps, bring in a crawl space repair service to seal the openings so pests won't find their way in.

Concrete Footings

In some cases, crack sealing isn't enough because some pests can continue to dig under the wall and into the crawl space. There are two methods available to remedy this. The first is by installing a concrete footing around the perimeter of the crawl space. The footing must extend several inches into the ground so that animals can't easily dig under it. The other option is to have a concrete floor installed inside the crawl space to keep out the diggers.

Proper Ventilation

All crawl spaces require ventilation so that moisture doesn't accumulate in the space. Make sure all vents are properly screened so that you aren't inadvertently providing access to pests. A lack of ventilation can also be a problem since it can lead to the moisture buildup that attracts pests. A crawl space service can assess your current ventilation and adjust it so that pest problems are avoided.

Contact a crawl space expert in your area for more help.


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