Home guide
Crawl space pest problems
Many intown Atlanta homes sit on crawl spaces, and they are where most hidden pest problems start.

Why crawl spaces attract pests
Clay soil, humid summers and poor ventilation keep crawl spaces damp. Moisture plus wood plus darkness invites subterranean termites, Oriental and American cockroaches, camel crickets, spiders, millipedes and rodents.

Fixes that reduce pest pressure
- Remove wood debris, old form boards and cardboard.
- Install or repair a vapor barrier over exposed soil.
- Fix plumbing leaks and grading or gutter problems that send water underneath.
- Screen vents with hardware cloth and secure the access door.
- Consider encapsulation or dehumidification where appropriate. Tell your termite provider, because it affects inspection access.
