Having a crawl space underneath your home can be a good thing. Sometimes you need to have a crawl space so you can access your pipes and your vents.
That doesn’t mean that you want to access the crawl space more than you have to. The crawl space area is typically going to be a bit of a tight fit.
To add to this, you might wind up having to deal with bugs and other living creatures. What lives in crawl spaces?
Continue reading to learn about the various creatures that are likely going to make their way to your crawl space. This information will allow you to know what to expect when you have to enter the crawl space area.
Do Mice Get in Crawl Spaces?
It’s very common for mice and other types of rodents to spend time in crawl spaces. Crawl spaces are generally easy for mice to enter.
Mice can fit in small gaps and holes. When you crawl into the crawl space, you shouldn’t be surprised if you see mice scurrying to get away from you.
Other types of rodents might be found in crawl spaces as well. You could see rats in crawl spaces.
If you have a severe rodent problem, it’d be wise to get professional help. You don’t want the rodents to enter your home, after all.
Do Snakes Get in Crawl Spaces?
Snakes are going to enter crawl spaces to look for shelter and food. Since rodents can commonly be found in crawl spaces, it makes sense why snakes would go there.
A snake might enter a crawl space to try to find something to eat. It’ll chase rodents and consume them.
Much like mice, snakes can get into very small openings. If you have cracks or holes that will allow the snakes to enter the crawl space, it’ll be hard to keep them out.
To keep snakes from becoming an issue, it’s wise to seal all cracks and repair any holes that you can find. Also, keep your grass mowed short so snakes will be less likely to get too close to your home.
Do Snakes Like Crawl Spaces?
You could say that snakes like crawl spaces. They like to enter crawl spaces to find food.
Normally, snakes will eat mice or rats that are nesting in the crawl space area. They might leave after eating the rodents, but sometimes you might have to call an exterminator if the snakes become a problem.
Do Roaches Live in Crawl Space?
Sadly, roaches are common problems in homes with crawl spaces. Crawl spaces make good homes for roaches, and you’ll need to address this issue to keep the bugs out of your home.
To keep the roaches from being a problem, it’s wise to use a dehumidifier. You can buy a crawl space dehumidifier that will make it less likely that roaches will be an issue.
You’ll also want to make it harder for the roaches to enter the crawl spaces. Roaches can fit through small gaps, cracks, and holes.
So you’ll have to go around making repairs and sealing things the best that you can. It’ll take some work, but it should make a difference.
Do Spiders Live in Crawl Spaces?
Spiders do indeed live in crawl spaces. There’s a good chance that you’ll find many spiders in your crawl space.
Some spiders aren’t necessarily going to be worth worrying about. Spiders aren’t necessarily dangerous.
However, there are some spiders that you don’t want to come into contact with. Depending on the situation, you might want to get rid of the spiders in the crawl space.
Do Bats Go in Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces are ideal habitats for bats. Bats need to find places that are dark and damp.
A crawl space is dark and damp, and you don’t enter the crawl space area too often. Bats can live in crawl spaces undisturbed.
If you don’t maintain your crawl space properly, it’s possible that bats could become an issue. Keep bats out of the crawl space by sealing the entrance and making it so the bats can’t get in.
You can also try using sprays that repel bats. There are commercial bat repellent sprays that you can utilize, but you can also use essential oil sprays that use peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon to keep bats away.
Bats can’t stand the strong smells that come from these sprays. With some effort, you should be able to get rid of the bats in your crawl space.
Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Prevent Termites?
Termites getting into the crawl space area will be a huge problem. They can start causing damage to your floors and other parts of your home.
Crawl space encapsulation is a way to keep termites at bay. This method helps to keep moisture under control.
If you go forward with crawl space encapsulation, it’ll help to make the environment less ideal for termites and other problematic bugs. You can find companies that specialize in crawl space encapsulation that can help you with this process.
You’ll reduce the likelihood of experiencing mold issues in the crawl space. It should even work to improve air quality.
Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Prevent Carpenter Ants?
The main reason why carpenter ants can be a problem in the crawl space is moisture. Excessive moisture in the crawl space makes it easy for pests such as carpenter ants to thrive.
Crawl space encapsulation solves moisture problems and makes it much safer overall. The carpenter ants shouldn’t be a big problem if you go through with this.
As always, it also helps to fix cracks and other spots where the bugs might be getting in the crawl space. Do your best to solve problems in the crawl space area, and you won’t have as many issues with bugs.
Can I Use a Bug Bomb in My Crawl Space?
Many people have used bug bombs in crawl spaces before. It can work to help you get rid of bugs, but you’ll likely have to use more bug bombs than you’d initially think.
Generally, it’s best to use one bug bomb for every 200-300 square feet of space. So you’ll need to measure things out and determine the right number of bug bombs for the job.
Also, experts say that it’s better to use bug bombs in your home at the same time. You don’t want the bug bombs to make the bugs scurry into your home.
Can I Use a Fogger in a Crawl Space?
Using foggers in crawl spaces is a pretty common thing. You can even call and have professionals handle the job for you if you’d like to go that route.
Foggers are used to kill various types of insects. You might see that you have roaches, ants, or spiders in the crawl space.
A fogger can kill these bugs very fast. Remember that you might need more than one fogger, depending on how large your crawl space is.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that many different creatures and bugs live in crawl spaces. You might find mice, snakes, bats, and various types of bugs living underneath your home.
You can get rid of these pests by taking the right steps. Encapsulation is a good way to solve moisture issues and get rid of bugs.
It’s also wise to seal holes, cracks, and other entry points. You want to do your best to keep mice, snakes, and other things out of the crawl space.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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