By design, a raised floor helps isolate the living space from pests by elevating it above the ground.
Practical and effective methods and materials are available to also prevent entry of pests into the crawlspace.
In continuous stemwall foundations, pest entry is restricted with properly specified ventilation coverings. A variety of materials can be used, provided the openings in the coverings do not exceed 1⁄4˝.
With a pier-and-beam foundation, either a perimeter or an under-floor barrier can be used to inhibit pest entry. At the foundation’s perimeter, pressure-treated decorative latticework backed with corrosion and pest-resistant screening can be framed between piers. For protection under the floor, a breathable pest barrier is typically attached to the bottom edge of the joists.
For protection under the floor, a breathable pest barrier is typically attached at the bottom edge of the joists to prevent pests from nesting in insulation and damaging wiring or other systems. Common materials used for this application include: house wrap, hardware cloth, fiberglass insect screen, plastic webbing or netting, corrosion-resistant wire mesh, and perforated vinyl or fiber-cement soffit panels.
