Sacramento, as the northernmost part of the valley, is pretty flat. But in the suburbs, like Roseville, Rocklin, and beyond, many of the homes are built on small hills that require or benefit from crawl spaces. Paved or semi-finished crawl spaces are great for storage, and some people have crawl spaces tall enough to use as extra rooms.
But one thing crawl spaces have a huge problem with is bugs – especially spiders. For those that are afraid of spiders, that makes crawl spaces creepy and undesirable. In addition, when spiders move into the crawl space, they can sometimes find direct entrances into your home through small cracks and crevices. Keeping spiders and other pests out of your crawl space can be an important part of holistic pest control, and an important part of making sure your crawl space is usable.
Tips to Get Rid of Spiders in the Crawl Space
No form of pest control is 100% effective against spiders – not even professional pest control. The reason for this is that spiders, with their long and tiny legs and ability to crawl on walls and ceilings, are able to walk over pest control and fit into tiny spaces that not even the most advanced pest control technology can fully protect against.
But you can still decrease spider and pest populations considerably in your crawl space by taking the time to install various prevention measures. Some of the ways you can do this include:
- Install a Vapor Barrier – One of the most effective ways to keep spiders out of a crawl space is to install a vapor barrier. This is a plastic sheet that is laid down on the ground and sealed at the edges to create an airtight barrier. This will prevent moisture from entering the crawl space, which is a key attractant for spiders. Spiders prefer damp environments, so by keeping the crawl space dry, you can reduce the likelihood of them taking up residence there.
- Seal Any Gaps – Spiders can enter the crawl space through even the smallest gaps – gaps that are almost invisible to the eye – so it’s important to seal any openings you find. This includes gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical wires. You can use caulking or expanding foam to fill in these gaps and prevent spiders from getting inside. It’s also a good idea to install weather stripping around the crawl space door to create a tight seal.
- Install Screens – Another way to keep spiders out of the crawl space is to install screens with only very, very tiny perforations over any vents or openings. This will allow air to circulate while keeping out spiders and other pests. Make sure the screens are made from a durable material and are securely fastened to prevent them from coming loose. It may be worth having a professional install these screens as spiders can fit through tiny openings.
- Remove Clutter – Many spiders travel for safe spaces or to find food. Spiders love to hide in clutter, so if they find clutter, they are less likely to move on to other places. That is why it is important to keep the crawl space as tidy as possible. If you’re using your crawl space for storage, consider plastic bins over boxes and loose items as these tend to have fewer hiding spots. Also, make sure any debris and other items are picked up off the ground.
- Use Sticky Traps – If you’re dealing with a spider infestation in your crawl space, you may want to consider using sticky traps. These are small, adhesive traps that you can place around the crawl space to catch spiders and other insects. Make sure to place them in areas where spiders are likely to be hiding, such as corners and along walls.
- Call a Professional – If you’ve tried all of these tips and you’re still having trouble with spiders in your crawl space, it may be time to call in a professional pest control company. They will be able to assess the situation and come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. They may also be able to apply a pesticide to the crawl space to eliminate spiders and other pests.
Small crawl spaces that are low enough to require actual crawling can be especially difficult. Pest professionals may struggle to get inside, and will have to rely on traps and other methods of pest control. But if it’s possible to walk inside, even if we have to lean over, we can typically use safe pesticides to create an interior wall that will eliminate most spiders that walk through it, and we can try to spot possible entrance points from the inside to help keep spiders out.
In addition, professional pest control – and many of the tips above – can also help eliminate and prevent other types of pests. This is important for spiders, because spiders move inside in search of food. Eliminate other pests, and you eliminate food sources.
Professional Pest Control from Adapt Pest Management
Keeping spiders out of your crawl space is step one. But it’s difficult to keep those pests out on your own. Combine that with keeping pests and spiders away from other areas of your property, and it’s clear why every home needs pest control. If you are in the Sacramento area, especially up near Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Auburn, Lincoln, and the surrounding area, contact Adapt Pest Management today.
