Don’t Avoid Crawl Space Smells
A common issue that homeowners face with their crawl spaces is terrible smells.
Crawl spaces in most homes remain dark, damp, and cramped creepy areas that homeowners usually ignore until something goes wrong. A common issue that homeowners face with their crawl spaces is terrible smells.
Some homeowners choose to ignore the issue for a long time. However, foul odors from the crawl spaces are not a good sign and indicate that all is not well down there. If something smells strange in the crawl space, it’s essential to identify the root causes and take the required steps to deal with them. Here are a few possible reasons that can cause the crawl space to smell:
Moisture
Moisture is a common reason for crawl space smells. Some sources of moisture and humidity in the crawl space are trapped moisture underneath the concrete slab when poured, groundwater flooding, plumbing leaks, damp soil, or humidity entering the crawl space from the vents. Usually, sealing the vents, creating a moisture barrier, ensuring proper drainage, installing a dehumidifier, and crawl space encapsulation are some popular ways to fix moisture-related odors in the crawl space.
Mold
The presence of mold in the crawl space is generally the reason behind the musty odor from the crawl spaces. Excessive moisture offers a suitable environment for mold growth. Mold problems can get dangerous when ignored. Mold spores can spread quickly throughout the home and harm the respiratory system causing severe health issues. Get professional assistance to fix the moisture issues and eliminate mold.
Pests
Unsealed crawl spaces have gaps and holes that give rodents and insects easy access to damp and cluttered crawl spaces. When rats and mice nest in the crawl space, their droppings and urine produce terrible smells. A pencil-sized hole is big enough for a mouse to make its way into the crawl space. Call a pest control professional to eliminate pests and seal all gaps and holes to prevent future infestations.
Dead animals
Another reason for a foul-smelling crawl space is a dead animal. When rats, mice, snakes, or snakes seek shelter or warmth in the crawl spaces, some may die there. Their decaying flesh can cause an unbearable stench in the living areas. Check the crawl space regularly for signs of pest infestations and animal presence.
Sewage leak or backup
Clogs in the main sewer line can cause sewer waste to back up and leak into the crawl space. As a result, wastewater not only gives off a terrible odor but can also cause property damage, create moisture problems, and release toxic fumes that can make the family sick.
Soil
The soil in the unsealed floors in the crawl spaces contains organic material that emits terrible smells when they rot or decay. Sealing the crawl space is the best way to avoid the problem.
Stored items
Homeowners may use their crawl spaces to store unusable or rarely used items. Trash, deteriorating items, or mold attached to boxes can cause the crawl space to smell. The solution is to toss away all unnecessary junk from the crawl space.
Keep the crawl space clean
Musty, earthy, or other smells from the crawl spaces are unpleasant. In addition, the air from the crawl spaces moves upward into the home’s living areas, which can impact indoor air quality and pose potential health risks for the family. Therefore, seek professional assistance as soon as possible to keep the crawlspace clean and dry.
San Tan Pest And Weed Control offers reliable pest control for residential and commercial customers in Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Lower Santan Village, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler. Our pest management services control scorpions, ants, termites, bees, wasps, fleas, rodents, cockroaches, weeds, and more. We provide attic and crawl space cleaning and home sealing services to keep pests out. Call us at (480)405-0690.
