Some Texas homes are built on a raised floor with a crawl space beneath, though many near Katy sit on slabs, and we cannot tell which are which. If yours has an under-floor space, it deserves a look. Vents, pipes, ducts and insulation all give rodents something to use.
First, find out what you have.
Walk around the outside. A raised floor usually shows foundation vents, a skirt or a small access door. Inside, a floor that feels hollow or a hatch in a closet can be a clue. If you see none of these, your home probably sits on a slab, and this guide matters less.
If you are unsure, ask us during an inspection. We tell you what we find and describe the space.
Why animals use under-floor spaces.
| Feature. | Why rodents like it. | Where to check. |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation vents. | Open to the outside with a screen that may tear. | Screens and covers on every side of the house. |
| Pipes and wires. | Warm lines and soft routes to the walls. | Where lines enter the house. |
| Insulation under the floor. | Soft nesting material. | Sagging or torn batts. |
| Flexible ducts. | Hollow tunnels with insulation. | Crushed, torn or disconnected runs. |
| Damp soil or plastic sheeting. | Moisture and cover. | Wet spots and flattened sheeting. |
Vents and screens first.
Foundation vents let air through and keep animals out, when the screens are intact. Wind, rot and age tear them. Walk the foundation and look for missing covers, bent mesh and gaps beneath. A torn screen is an open door.
Closing a vent with a heavy mesh cover, screwed in place, is a common fix. See exclusion work for materials and method. Never block vents completely, since airflow matters for moisture.
What is under there.
If the space is dry and you can look in with a flashlight from the access door, check for droppings, nests, torn insulation and chewed ducts. Do not crawl in if you see droppings. Dust can carry germs, and the CDC advice linked below describes how to ventilate and wet down waste first.
- Look from the doorway before going in.
- Open the door and let it air for half an hour.
- Note torn insulation, crushed ducts and any damp spots.
- Take photographs with a flash.
- Leave nests and droppings alone until you have a plan.
Rodents settle in fast, and an early call usually costs less than fixing damage later.
Ring (888) 686-4821Ducts, wires and repairs.
Chewed ducts leak cooled air, and damaged wiring is a safety risk. If you see either, do not touch it. Call us for the animals and a licensed electrician or HVAC contractor for the repair. We note and photograph what we find, and our damage repair page explains how we price it.
Soiled insulation comes out after the animals are gone. Cleanup covers under-floor spaces as well as attics.
Heat, rain and moisture.
Hot, humid air and heavy rain mean moisture is a constant issue under a raised floor. Standing water, damp soil and wet insulation draw animals and make odors linger. If you see any, mention it when you call. A moisture problem may need another trade.
When to call.
Call if you hear scratching beneath the floor, smell something musty or sharp, or find torn screens and droppings. Tell us how you get into the space and how much room there is, and we plan the visit.
What to do during the wait, and what to leave alone
Waste left by rodents may carry disease, which makes slow and wet the right way to work. The CDC cleanup page named at the end is the basis for each item.
- Hurried cleaning makes dust, so go slowly and leave the brush alone.
- Air the space out first: open every door and window that opens, then give it thirty minutes.
- Gloves guard you while you work, and soap guards you once you stop.
- Wet everything through, allow around five minutes, then lift the waste with towels you plan to discard.
- Combine wipes and debris in a single bag, knot it and discard it, covering your hands near any body.
- Medical questions go to medical staff, and any symptom is a reason to describe to them what happened.
Sources behind the safety tips
Agency pages stand behind each safety statement, listed next with a note about what each covers.
- EPA page on restricted rodenticides: Bait rules differ for homeowners and professionals, and the EPA gives the reasons.
- CDC page on cleaning up rodent waste: The CDC's explanation of why dry rodent waste must not be swept or run through a vacuum.