Why Do I Feel Sick After Working in a Crawl Space?

Your crawl space serves an important function in your home by allowing air circulation and controlling moisture in your foundation. However, if it has been neglected for months or years, it can turn into a breeding ground for health issues. Many people report feeling unwell after spending time in their crawl space.

In this article, we will discuss the reasons crawl spaces can affect your health and how professional remediation and encapsulation services can help protect both you and your home.

1. Exposure to Mold 

Crawl spaces are often damp and poorly ventilated, which makes them the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Mold exposure can cause a variety of health issues, including:

• Respiratory problems such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
• Allergic reactions like sneezing or itchy eyes.
• Skin irritations or flare-ups of eczema.

Certain groups, such as children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by mold exposure. 

How to protect yourself:

• Maintain a clean, well-ventilated crawl space.
• Hire professionals to remove mold and prevent its recurrence.

2. Contact with Pest and Animal Droppings 

Crawl spaces are often home to pests like rats, mice, termites, and spiders. These pests leave behind droppings that can carry harmful bacteria and diseases.

Diseases associated with rodent droppings include:

• Hantavirus
• Lassa fever
• Spotted fever

Cleaning your crawl space without protective measures can expose you to contaminated particles, leading to illness. Professional pest control services can safely remove pests and disinfect your crawl space to eliminate health risks.

3. Exposure to Radon Gas

Radon is a tasteless, invisible gas that can accumulate in crawl spaces. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon rises from the soil and can build up in crawl spaces or lower floors of your home. Installing proper ventilation or radon mitigation systems can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.

Protect Your Home and Health with Crawl Space Services

If your crawl space smells bad, has visible mold, or shows signs of pest activity, it’s time to take action. Planet Friendly Pest Control offers professional crawl space services, including:

• Crawl space remediation to clean and disinfect.
• Encapsulation to prevent moisture and pest issues.
• Ventilation solutions to improve air quality.

Our team ensures your crawl space remains safe, dry, and free from harmful contaminants.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my crawl space has a mold problem?

A: Look for signs like a musty smell, visible mold growth, or unexplained allergy symptoms. A professional inspection can confirm mold presence.

Q: Can pests in my crawl space enter my living space?

A: Yes, pests can move from your crawl space into your home. Sealing cracks and hiring pest control services can prevent this.

Q: How often should I clean my crawl space?

A: It’s recommended to inspect and clean your crawl space at least once a year to prevent mold, pests, and other issues.

Q: Is crawl space encapsulation worth it?

A: Yes, encapsulation helps control moisture, prevents mold growth, and keeps pests out, protecting your health and your home’s structure.

For a cleaner, safer crawl space, contact Planet Friendly Pest Control at 800-990-0335 for a free quote today!