When was the last time you thought about what lies beneath your home? If your answer is “never” or “rarely,” you’re not alone. The crawlspace, a hidden yet vital part of your home, is often overlooked—until it becomes a problem. This forgotten area can harbor unwelcome guests, like termites, wood-boring beetles, and wood-destroying fungi. The culprit that attracts these pests? Moisture.

The Role of Moisture in Attracting Pests

Even without obvious leaks, the soil beneath your home can harbor moisture that slowly evaporates into your crawlspace. This moisture rises and condenses on the wood of your subfloor and framing, creating a perfect environment for wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) to thrive. Picture this: it’s like rolling out the red carpet for termites and fungi!

How to Keep Your Crawlspace Dry

The good news? You can prevent these moisture-related problems by taking proactive steps to keep your crawlspace dry. Here’s how:

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Think of ventilation as the lungs of your crawlspace. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup by carrying away excess humidity. Strategically placed vents allow fresh air to circulate, much like opening car windows to clear a foggy windshield. However, if parts of your crawlspace remain stagnant (often called “dead zones”), installing an electronic fan system can help move the air around effectively.

2. Install a Moisture Vapor Barrier

When ventilation isn’t enough, a moisture vapor barrier can step in as your next line of defense. These heavy-duty plastic sheets are laid over the soil in your crawlspace, effectively sealing off the source of evaporating moisture.

At ATCO Pest Control, we recommend and install a black 10-mil polyethylene vapor barrier in a “loose lay” manner over crawlspace soil. Why 10-mil? It strikes the perfect balance between durability and cost-effectiveness, offering more protection than lightweight 4- or 6-mil barriers without the high expense of full encapsulation systems.

3. Address Standing Water or Muddy Soil

If your crawlspace resembles a swamp, it’s time to take action. Standing water or overly wet soil requires immediate attention to avoid long-term damage.

• French Drains: These systems channel water away from your home, using gravity to direct water into trenches lined with gravel or piping. While effective, they require a certain slope to work properly and can be costly to install on level lots due to the trenching depth needed.
• Sump Pumps: For homes on flatter land, sump pumps are an efficient solution. These pumps actively remove water from your crawlspace, preventing it from pooling and causing damage.

Why It Matters

Taking control of crawlspace moisture is about more than just pest prevention; it’s an investment in the health and safety of your home. Excess moisture can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and even poor indoor air quality.

By keeping your crawlspace dry, you’re creating an inhospitable environment for wood-destroying pests and fungi, protecting your home from costly damage.

Ready to Protect Your Home?

At ATCO Pest Control, we’re here to help you safeguard your home from the ground up. Whether you need a moisture barrier installed or assistance with managing standing water, our team has the tools and expertise to keep your crawlspace dry and your home protected.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our moisture control solutions!