Common Issues in Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces are especially prone to a range of issues due to their location and environment. Here are the most common problems property owners face:

Pest Infestations

Rodents, ants, wasps, spiders, raccoons and other pests frequently seek out crawlspaces as shelter. These areas are ideal for nesting because they provide warmth, moisture, and seclusion. If left unchecked, these pests can damage wiring, eat through wood, and spread disease throughout your space.

Moisture & Mould Growth

Due to poor ventilation, crawlspaces are highly susceptible to excess moisture. Plumbing leaks, ground water intrusion, and general dampness contribute to mould and mildew growth. This not only damages building materials but also introduces harmful spores into the living space, affecting air quality and health.

Insulation Damage

Pests nesting in crawlspaces often destroy insulation while searching for food or making nests. Moisture can also saturate and ruin insulation materials, drastically reducing their effectiveness. Damaged insulation leads to heat loss in winter, cooling inefficiency in summer, and ultimately higher energy bills.

Structural Risks

Continuous exposure to moisture can weaken wooden beams and joists, leading to wood rot and even foundational instability. This compromises the safety and longevity of the entire structure, requiring costly repairs if not caught early.

Identifying Crawlspace Infestation Signs

Because crawlspaces are out of sight, infestations often go unnoticed until the damage becomes significant. Being aware of these common warning signs can help you take action before serious issues develop:

Scratching Noises or Droppings: Sounds of movement, gnawing, or squeaking from below may indicate the presence of rodents or other pests. Droppings are another clear indicator of activity, particularly in corners or along joists.

Foul Odours: A musty smell or strong odour coming from beneath your floors can signal mould, mildew, or decaying organic material—often linked to pest infestations or excess moisture.

Sagging Floors: Excessive moisture can weaken wooden support structures, causing floors to warp or sag. This is often a symptom of long-term water exposure or pest activity compromising the subfloor.

Damaged Insulation or Wiring: Chewed or torn insulation, frayed wires, and visible nesting materials all point to animal intrusion. These issues can cause energy inefficiency and even fire hazards.

Musty Air Indoors: An unexplained rise in indoor humidity or persistent musty odours can be traced back to crawlspace problems. Poor air quality from below can affect the comfort and health of those inside the property.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to contact Ridall Pest Control, the professionals, for a full crawlspace assessment. The sooner these issues are addressed, the less impact they’ll have on your property, the safety of the people inside and the overall property value.

Our Crawlspace Cleaning & Pest Control Process

At Ridall Pest Control, we offer a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to crawlspace cleaning and pest management. Our process is designed not only to fix current problems but also to prevent them from returning.

1. Inspection

Every service begins with a detailed crawlspace inspection. Our experienced technicians assess the area for pests, droppings, structural damage, moisture levels, and signs of mould or decay. This evaluation guides the entire cleaning, virucide, reinsulation, exclusion and long term control strategy.

2. Pest Removal & Extermination

If pests are found, our team applies targeted, humane solutions to eliminate rodents or wildlife safely. We use industry-approved treatments and exclusion methods to fully resolve infestations and prevent re-entry.

3. HEPA Vacuuming & Virucide Application

We thoroughly remove rodent and/or wildlife droppings using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum (to avoid further contamination of the air space),as well as all nesting materials, and organic waste.We then ensure that all materials are safely bagged, sealed and completely removed from your premises.

We then follow up after the vacuuming and cleaning process witha virucide treatmentto help restore the crawlspace’s hygienic conditions and eliminate health hazards, particularly the pathogens emitted from rodent or wildlife droppings.

4. Insulation Replacement

Damaged or contaminated insulation is removed and replaced with high-efficiency insulation. Higher efficiency rated (or “R” rated) insulation helps improve your building’s energy performance and ensures a healthier environment.

Crawlspaces with a low “R” value are inefficient in that they have low resistance to heat flow, and negatively affect the energy efficiency and overall comfort in your home or building.

We recommend replacing the insulation using “R” value rated materials that are recommended by BC Hydro, Fortis BC and CleanBC. Click on the following link for further information on recommendations and potential rebates: (https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/home-renovation/renovating-insulation.html).

5. Sealing & Prevention

Once there is no further activity inside your crawlspace, we identify and seal all potential entry points—such as foundation cracks, vent gaps, or utility openings—to prevent pests from returning. Our preventative approach ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.

When to Call for Help?

Knowing when to contact Ridall Pest Control professionals can make all the difference in preventing serious damage and health hazards:

• Foul Odours or Musty Smells

Persistent unpleasant smells inside your home or business could indicate mould, pest activity, or decaying matter in the crawlspace.

• Rising Humidity or Moisture Levels

Uncontrolled moisture can lead to mould growth, wood rot, and increased pest attraction. Early detection is key.

• Damaged or Ineffective Insulation

If your crawlspace feels drafty or you’re seeing higher energy bills, compromised insulation could be a contributing factor.

• Recent Pest Infestation

After dealing with rodents, insects, or wildlife, professional crawlspace cleaning and sealing can prevent them from returning.

• Signs of Mould or Water Damage

Visible mould, soft or rotting wood, or standing water should never be ignored—these issues compromise the safety and longevity of your structure.