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When was the last time you inspected your crawl space? Be honest. It’s probably been a while, right? If so, you’re not alone. Crawl spaces tend to be areas that get overlooked by homeowners. Unfortunately, that makes them the perfect area for pests to gather.
The pests that show up in your crawl space in the winter can cause a lot of problems for your home and family. All-American Pest Control has seen what can go wrong when pests are allowed to move into crawl spaces, so we’ve put together this guide to walk you through how to keep the most likely winter intruders out of your crawl space this season.
Why Do Crawl Spaces Attract Pests in Cold Weather?
What do pests need in the winter? They need to survive. In order to do that, one of the primary necessities is a warm shelter. Your crawl space provides the perfect protection from the elements and from predators. Additionally, it stays warmer than the outside air and usually has a lot of moisture present, which satisfies pests’ need for water. In short, your crawl space is the perfect spot for pests to nest.
What Rodents Are Common in Crawl Spaces During Winter?
Rodents are common crawl space invading pests in the winter. You’re most likely to find mice or rats in your crawl space this winter, especially Norway rats.
It’s easy for rodents to squeeze into your crawl space through small cracks, holes, or gaps. Once inside, they’ll make themselves at home, which means that damage is sure to occur. Some of the biggest problems with a mouse or rat infestation include:
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Chewed insulation, wires, and wood
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Contaminated droppings and urine that carry disease
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Nests that can attract other pests
If you suspect that rodents might be in your crawl space, listen for scratching sounds, especially at night, look for chewed wires, and inspect around the exterior of your crawl space for entry points.
What Insects Hide in Crawl Spaces During Winter?
Rodents aren’t the only pests that get into crawl spaces in the winter. Insects can too. Some insects die off in the winter, but others simply move to warmer accommodations. They may enter a hibernation-like state called diapause, or they might stay active if conditions are right.
Which insects are you most likely to find in your crawl space this winter?
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Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments like crawl spaces.
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Spiders, especially house spiders and brown recluses, hunt for food and seek warm shelter in winter.
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Termites remain active and destructive in the winter if they’re already inside your crawl space.
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Silverfish seek humidity and can damage paper, fabrics, and insulation.
Each of these pests presents its own problems for homeowners, ranging from home damage to spreading illnesses. You do not want them in your crawl space or home.
What Kind of Damage Can Winter Crawl Space Pests Cause?
The type of damage that pests cause depends on the type of pest. Some of the most common problems include:
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Structural damage- Termites and carpenter ants chew through wooden structures, building tunnels and weakening your home’s structural supports over time.
- Fire risk- Rodents often chew through electrical wiring, putting your house at risk of fire.
- Contamination- Many pests can contaminate insulation, surfaces, and food with their droppings or urine.
- Allergies- Many pests trigger respiratory issues for sensitive people through their shed skins and saliva.
Unfortunately, when pests are in your crawl space, their presence can go unnoticed for a long time, allowing them to cause more damage, increase their population, and get into the living spaces of your house.
How Can You Keep Pests Out of Your Crawl Space This Winter?
Keeping pests out of your crawl space this winter requires some prep work on your part, but it is possible! All-American Pest Control recommends the following prevention strategies:
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Seal cracks and openings with spray foam or caulk
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Use metal mesh for larger holes
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Install a vapor barrier or dehumidifier to reduce moisture
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Store nothing edible or soft, like fabric, in the crawl space
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Keep your crawl space clean and clutter-free
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Schedule seasonal inspections if infestations are common
By taking preventative measures, you can stop an infestation before it starts. This is always easier than removing an established pest problem, and it’s usually cheaper as well. Save yourself time, frustration, and money by implementing these prevention strategies this winter.
When Should You Call a Pest Control Professional?
In addition to seasonal inspections, there are certain situations that warrant an immediate call to the professionals at All-American. These include:
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Hearing scratching, squeaking, or gnawing
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Finding droppings, chewed materials, or nests
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Dealing with recurring pest issues in your crawl space
All-American’s pest experts can assess and address any active pest problems in your crawl space, as well as offer the services you need to maintain your home’s pest protection. For fast and effective pest control for your crawl space, home, and yard, All-American Pest Control has the solutions you need.
Contact All-American Pest Control to Protect Your Crawl Space and Home This Winter
Letting winter pests take over your crawl space is a recipe for disaster. Not only will they cause damage in this area of your house, but they’ll also find their way inside, causing more damage as they spread. To stop pests from getting into your crawl space, contact All-American Pest Control for crawl space inspections and seasonal protection services today.
Expert Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Acorn Hill, Ashland City, Bethel, Burns, Chapsmanboro, Charlotte, Cumberland Furnace, Cumberland Heights, Dickson, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Vanleer, Pleasant View, Bon Aqua, Slayden, White Bluff, Tennessee City, Bell Town, Cheap Hill, Craggie Hope, Shacklett, Lyles, Hickman, Bon Aqua Junction, Dickson City, and the entire Cheatham County, Dickson County, and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.