7 Tips for a Pest-Free Home This Winter

1. Clean the Crawl Space Area

A dark, dirty, moist crawl space is an open invitation for pests and rodents. Rocks and debris create the ideal hiding area for animals to hide and breed. By removing unnecessary items and cleaning your crawl space, you eliminate these hiding spots.

Crawl spaces are hazardous, so it’s best to contact a crawl space professional to assist.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Even the tiniest cracks and gaps allow cockroaches and other bugs to enter. Inspect the interior and exterior of your home for cracks and unsealed openings and seal these areas.

Spray foam is a better sealing option than caulk, as it expands to fill significant gaps. Larger cracks and gaps may require a crawl space repair expert, as your home may need specific foundation repair solutions. 

3. Remove Low-Hanging Vegetation

Overgrown brush and bushes invite pests to seek shelter there before making their way into your home as the weather becomes colder. To prevent this, trim or clear any bushes and low-hanging shrubbery near your home’s exterior.

4. Place Secured Trash Bins in Enclosed Areas

Raccoons are a common nuisance during winter. They often enter garages, basements, and crawl spaces to scavenge leftover food in trash bins. To prevent these rodents, store your trash bins in an enclosed area with a secure lid. Keep the area around the bins clean, as even small food crumbs attract hungry pests.

5. Store Boxes Off the Ground

Storage boxes provide ideal hiding spots for pests. Store boxes off the floor to prevent pest infestation and protect your property.

6. Keep Firewood Outdoors

Wood-burning stoves warm your home during winter, and the firewood should be kept indoors. During the winter months, pests actively seek warm spaces. Store firewood outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home to deter pests.

7. Encapsulate the Crawl Space

If you have pests in your crawl space, you likely have moisture problems, too. Addressing crawl space moisture with a 20-mil vapor barrier and other waterproofing methods keeps the area dry. Crawl space encapsulation reduces pest infestations by sealing off the area from the outdoors. Additionally, enclosing the crawl space improves indoor air quality and enhances your home’s energy efficiency.

Are pests giving you the winter blues? We ensure your home remains safe, dry, and pest-free all winter long. Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services for a free crawl space inspection and customized repair options. We offer specialized services across South Carolina and Western North Carolina.