Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 15% of all homes contain a crawlspace. Is your home one of them? If so, then you need to make sure your crawlspace is protected. You can encapsulate it to prevent mold accumulation and help keep your energy bills reasonable, but your crawlspace could also be in jeopardy of infestation by pests. In this article, your Murfreesboro pest exterminators at Ameri Care Services explore the common type of pests that may infiltrate your crawlspace and how we can help deal with them.
The Most Common Crawlspace Creepy-Crawlies
Termites, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, rats, and mice all can congregate in your crawlspaces. Each type of pest brings its own set of potential risk factors. Cockroaches and mice carry and spread diseases and exacerbate asthma and allergies. Termites could do structural damage, while rodents can pose a contamination risk or chew through insulation or electrical wires, which poses the risk of a house fire.
What draws pests to crawlspaces? They’re attracted to the humidity first and foremost, especially during the summer, when hot and humid air fills the space and creates ideal conditions for these insects and rodents to breed. Crawlspaces also represent a potential smorgasbord thanks to rotting wood, beetles, and crawling insects, providing a consistent food source with no need to forage. Lastly, a crawlspace remains warmer throughout the year while also being secluded and dark, making crawlspaces an ideal haven for nocturnal pests in particular.
Pest Prevention Tips in Your Crawlspace
Encapsulation: This entails placing a plastic vapor barrier that seals off your crawlspace. The barrier should be placed from wall to wall and across the floor, then affixed into place with sealing tape. The barrier should be at least 20 millimeters thick, helping to prevent tears and keep out moisture.
Seal all gaps, cracks, and openings: Rodents can access your crawlspace through tiny cracks and gaps. Placing vent covers and making all doors and windows airtight goes a long way to prevent rodents.
Lower the humidity: To make your crawlspace less hospitable to pests, install a dehumidifier to keep the humidity between 45-50%. This helps prevent your crawlspace from looking like a possible respite to rodents and insects looking to escape the dry air outside.
Pest Prevention for Crawlspaces in Nashville
You want to protect your entire home against an infestation by pests. That includes your crawlspace. At Ameri Care, we can install a dehumidifier for your crawlspace, install vent covers, or complete encapsulation of the entire area. We also offer a pest control program that includes a free evaluation of your home for any and all signs of an infestation. To find out more, give us a call at (615) 893-7111 to schedule your consultation today. Our comprehensive services are just one reason why we’ve been named Murfreesboro’s favorite pest control company for five years running.
Ameri Care Services is proud to serve commercial and residential customers in the areas of Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN.