Tips to keep pests out of crawl spaces
Crawl spaces tend to be no- go zones in many h o m e s . With little room to maneuver and no heating or cooling, it’s no wonder people avoid crawl spaces. But pests may see crawl spaces in a wholly different light.
Rodents and insects that find their way into crawl spaces can do significant damage. According to the pest control experts at Terminix ® , pests can destroy insulation, gnaw through wiring and air ducts and damage the wooden substructures of a home. Though many homeowners may go months if not years between trips to their crawl spaces, periodic visits to inspect for the presence of pests can help uncover any issues before they escalate into significant problems.
The discovery of pest problems in a crawl space can be unsettling. Some homeowners may wonder how long they’ve been hosting these uninvited guests, while others may wonder what they can do to evict them once and for all. Fortunately, homeowners can employ various strategies to keep pests from taking over their crawl spaces.
Community newspa
· Seal cracks and open
per group looking for experienced ings. Pests press may openter a
erator.
crawl space through small cracks or openings, much
Must be at least 21 years like cold old. or warm air can enter through similar cracks
We are seeking a full
around windows and doors.
– time employee to work Terminix in our ® notes press that home
room. We have open
owners can apply caulk
ings in Borger, Texas
or foam insulation around
and in Wapakoneta, Ohio. cracks or openings in their crawl spaces. No crack is
The primary function
too small to seal, as small
of this position is to operate insects like printing termites and
equipment and stand
ants don’t need much room
for long periods at a
to maneuver their way into
time.
a home.
Basic math counting
· Encapsulate the crawl
skills, forklift driving
space. Crawl spaces are
is a plus. This position dark ensures and damp. that all Wet, humid
products printed by
conditions attract rodents
pre-set deadlines and
and insects, increasing the
established quality standards for press reproduction and disrisk of infestation. Encapsulation closes and secures a crawl space with a thick vapor barrier that lines the floor and walls of the crawl space. Vapor barriers can keep moisture from condensing on wood, making the area less likely to attract pests.
· Run a dehumidifier in the crawl space. Dehumidifiers can help homeowners control moisture in a crawl space. In fact, many companies that install vapor barriers recommend running dehumidifiers after a barrier has been installed.
· Examine the perimeter of your home, particularly the exterior walls.
Periodic examinations of a home’s exterior may reveal brush that can make for ideal shelters for pests. Pests sheltering along the exterior walls of a home will eventually try to enter the home, likely through the crawl space. Remove piles of brush during routine walk- arounds of the home and trim any bushes or shrubs that also may be providing shelter to pests.
· Keep an eye on the crawl space. Though crawl spaces can be difficult to access, homeowners should visit these spaces periodically. Inspections can help homeowners determine if dehumidifiers are still running and allow them to check for pests or other issues, such as cracks, that may be inviting unwanted guests into their homes.
Crawl spaces can become homes and breeding grounds for pests if homeowners don’t take measures to prevent such issues.