How Do I Protect My Crawl Space From Termites?

2. Dehumidification: Perhaps the most direct way to reduce moisture in any space is to set up a dehumidification system. The right dehumidifier allows you to monitor and manage the relative humidity in your crawl space. Keeping relative humidity low makes the crawl space less inviting to termites.

3. Drainage System Repairs: If your drain pipes are damaged or faulty, they can cause water to pool. Pooling water invites termites and other pests to enter your home. Repairing the drainage system and checking it regularly helps keep water from collecting.

4. Homeowner Tip, Grading: Look at the ground around your crawl space. If it is flat or slopes toward your home, water can pool near the foundation. Grading is homeowner or landscaping work.

5. Homeowner Tip, Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can spill rainwater next to the foundation. Cleaning them regularly helps carry roof water away from the house.

6. Repair Cracks and Openings: Cracked foundation walls, gaps and openings in a crawl space can let pests in. Foundation crack repair and sealed openings help close those paths.

7. Eliminate Food Sources: Remove any food substances in and around your crawl space. Any food that’s left behind will attract insects, including harmful termites.

Signs of Termite Infestation in Your Crawl Space

Prevention lowers the odds of termites, but they can still arrive, so it helps to know the signs:

1. Dead Termites: Dead termites in your crawl space can be a sign that live termites are nearby.

2. Discarded Termite Wings: Some termites have transparent wings that they shed when they swarm to start new colonies. Discarded wings can mean a colony is nearby.

3. Termite Droppings: Also known as frass, termite droppings are small, oval pellets that can be light tan to dark brown. The sight of frass strongly indicates that termites have made a home in your crawl space.

4. Damaged Lumber: Termites feed on wood, so termites in a crawl space can damage the lumber. This damage has several forms, including cracking, blistering, and overall deterioration.

5. Chewing Noises: While it seems surprising, you can often hear the presence of termites in your walls and flooring. Listen for light chewing noises to tell if you have an infestation.

Adverse Effects of a Termite Infestation

It is crucial to understand the negative effects that a termite infestation can have. As you’ll soon see, noticing the signs of an infestation can help you prevent damage. Below is a quick list of the adverse outcomes termites can cause:

1. Lumber Damage: The best known effect of termites is wood damage. Termites feed on wood, which can weaken the crawl space framing, floors and walls.

2. Allergic Reactions: The presence of termites can result in significant reactions in those allergic to them. An allergic reaction may be the first indication you notice that termites are present.

3. Fungal Infections: Termites can also carry fungi that can spread throughout your home. These fungi can affect your wood and weaken it, while the termites use it as a food source.

What to Do If You Think You Have Termites

If you suspect you have a termite infestation in your home, the best approach you can take is to hire a pest control service in your area. Rather than taking a DIY approach to pest removal, hiring a professional allows you to diagnose your issue and resolve it.

Protect Your Crawl Space

After discovering a termite infestation, hiring a pest control company is an excellent choice. However, many of the termite prevention measures we mentioned require the assistance of a crawl space expert.

HydroHelp911 serves homeowners across North and South Carolina with crawl space repair and encapsulation, the moisture control side of termite prevention.