Dear JES: There are Bugs in My Crawlspace!!!

Dear JES:  I have a serious bug problem in my crawlspace. From ants to crickets to a gigantic Black Widow! I'm afraid to go in there to do maintenance since there are some seriously deadly critters. 

I've read some articles about controlling pests that have said sealing up your crawlspace is a good way to help prevent bugs. What do you think? Should I skip that and just bug-bomb the crawlspace? 

-Dave H., Virginia Beach, VA

Dear Dave, 

Yikes! It sounds like you have a serious insect problem on your hands! 

You're right to now avoid your crawlspace since I can't think of anyone - aside from a pro - who would willingly go into a Black Widow den. 

Your research is correct. One of the best ways to help deter insects is to encapsulate your crawlspace. This works for several reasons:

1. Crawlspace encapsulation manages the moisture that mold needs to survive. A lot of bugs eat that mold and the predatory insects, like spiders, will eat those smaller bugs. So a moisture problem can lead to a pest problem.
2. By sealing your crawlspace, you're essentially closing it off from outside elements. This makes it increasingly difficult for pests to find their way into your crawlspace and call it home.

In addition to sealing your crawlspace you should also invest in a good pest control plan. Be careful since some experts will not treat your crawlspace if it's encapsulated. This is because an encapsulated crawlspace helps deter pests which ends up costing you less in pest control in the long run. (Read Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Pest Control to find out more.)

But you're in luck since we not only encapsulate crawlspaces but we also have a pest control service that specializes in sealed crawlspaces. Give us a call and we'll come out to inspect your crawlspace and work with you to design the best pest control plan for your home.

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