You might think rodents wait until cold weather hits to find shelter—but the truth is, mice and rats in Central Virginia start looking for winter homes in late summer. And one of their favorite hiding spots? Your crawl space.
At Pest Now of Central VA, we’ve seen it too often: homeowners don’t realize rodents have moved in until it’s a full-blown infestation. Here’s why rodents love crawl spaces, how they get in, and what you can do to stop them before fall.
Why Rodents Love Your Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are cool, dark, and undisturbed—a perfect environment for rodents to nest, hide, and breed. In late summer, they’re already thinking ahead to fall and winter, looking for places that offer:
- Protection from predators
- Proximity to food sources (like pet food, bird seed, or trash)
- Easy access to warm areas like HVAC systems and insulation
If your crawl space is unsealed or poorly maintained, it becomes an open door to rats and mice.
Signs Rodents Are Already Moving In
Rodents are stealthy, but they leave signs behind. Here’s what to watch for in your crawl space—or just above it:
- Droppings near corners or insulation
- Gnawed wiring or ductwork
- Shredded paper or insulation nests
- Musty odors (especially from urine)
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or floors
If you notice any of these signs, act fast—rodents reproduce quickly, and one or two can turn into dozens by fall.
How Rodents Get Into Crawl Spaces
Central Virginia homes often have vulnerabilities that rodents take advantage of:
- Gaps in foundation vents
- Cracks in brickwork or siding
- Loose crawl space doors
- Openings around plumbing and utility lines
- Damaged or missing vapor barriers
Even a hole the size of a dime is big enough for a mouse to squeeze through.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Fall
By the time temperatures drop, rodents will already be entrenched in your crawl space—and possibly inside your walls, attic, or pantry.
Early action in August and September can:
- Prevent costly repairs to ductwork, wiring, and insulation
- Avoid contamination from urine, droppings, or nesting material
- Protect your family’s health (rodents can carry Hantavirus, Salmonella, and fleas)
- Make your home far less attractive to future intruders
How Pest Now of Central VA Can Help
We offer a full-service, proactive approach to rodent control and crawl space protection:
✅ Free crawl space inspections
✅ Rodent-proofing and exclusion (sealing vents, gaps, entry points)
✅ Safe, targeted trapping and removal
✅ Sanitation and insulation recommendations
✅ Ongoing monitoring and prevention plans
Our treatments are pet-safe, family-friendly, and customized for homes in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and surrounding areas.
Don’t Let Rodents Take the First Step
They may be small, but rodents can cause big problems. Now is the time to get ahead of them—before fall weather sends them scrambling into your crawl space and beyond.
Call Pest Now of Central VA today or visit pestnowcva.com to schedule your free rodent inspection and start your home’s protection plan before it’s too late.
