Winter Crawl Space Pests in Hampton Roads: What Homeowners Need to Know

​When was the last time you actually looked inside your crawl space? For most homeowners in Norfolk, Chesapeake, or Virginia Beach, the answer is usually “I can’t remember.” Crawl spaces tend to be out of sight and out of mind — and that’s precisely why pests love them.

During colder months, crawl spaces across the Hampton Roads region become prime real estate for pests looking to escape the chill. At Getem Services, we frequently find that winter pest problems start below the home, long before homeowners notice signs inside.

What This Blog Covers

• Why crawl spaces in Hampton Roads attract pests during winter
• The most common rodents and insects found below homes
• Warning signs of pest activity in your crawl space
• The types of damage crawl space pests can cause
• Practical steps homeowners can take to reduce pest activity
• When it’s time to call a professional pest control company

Crawl Spaces: The First Place Pests Look When Temperatures Drop

Pests are looking for three things in winter: warmth, moisture, and shelter. In some cases, crawl spaces check all the boxes.

And if they’re easily accessible, you can be sure insects and rodents will take advantage of your unintentional hospitality. Small foundation gaps, damaged vents or crawl space doors, or utility openings give pests easy access, especially in older homes or properties near water.

What Pests Are Likely Hiding Below Your Home

Crawl spaces often host multiple pests at once, including:

• Rodents such as mice, roof rats, and Norway rats
• Cockroaches that thrive in damp, warm conditions
• Spiders lured in by existing insect activity
• Moisture-loving, wood-damaging termites that remain active year-round
• Silverfish and other occasional invaders that are attracted to moisture

Common warning signs include:

• Scratching or other sounds, especially at night
• Musty or unusual odors
• Chewed insulation, wiring, or wood
• Droppings or nesting materials

Why Crawl Space Pests Can Cause Major Problems

Pests living under or in your home can create serious issues over time:

• Structural damage from termites and rodents
• Fire risk caused by chewed electrical wiring
• Contaminated insulation and air quality
• Allergy or respiratory triggers from pest debris

Because crawl spaces are rarely checked, infestations can grow unnoticed and eventually spread into living areas.

How to Make Your Crawl Space Less Inviting to Pests

Reducing pest activity starts with making your crawl space harder to access and less comfortable for pests to live in. In Hampton Roads, moisture is a persistent and serious issue. When damp conditions linger under a home, they attract pests, encourage the growth of mold and mildew, and can even weaken floor joists over time.

Getem Services helps homeowners address these issues at the source with professional moisture control solutions designed for our warm, humid coastal climate.

Steps that help reduce pest activity include:

• Sealing cracks, gaps, and utility openings to limit pest entry
• Reducing excess moisture, which is one of the biggest pest attractants
• Keeping the crawl space clean and free of clutter or debris
• Removing stored items from the space, such as cardboard, fabric, or other materials, that pests tend to nest in

When moisture is a problem, Getem Services starts with a thorough crawl space inspection to determine whether trapped humidity or poor ventilation is:

• Promoting mold or fungal growth
• Creating favorable conditions for termites and other pests
• Contributing to structural or insulation damage

Based on what we find, our team recommends a custom moisture control plan, which may include:

• Vapor barrier installation
• Dehumidifiers or crawl space conditioning
• Encapsulation solutions
• Fungus treatment and sanitation
• Insulation removal and replacement
• Vent and access door upgrades

By keeping crawl spaces dry, clean, and properly sealed, homeowners can reduce pest pressure while also protecting the long-term health and structure of their home.

When Crawl Space Pests Turn Into a Home Pest Control Issue

Some crawl space problems go beyond basic prevention. If pests have already infested other parts of the home or keep returning, professional help is often the best and most effective option.

Contact Getem Services if you notice:

• Scratching, movement, or gnawing sounds beneath floors
• Droppings, nests, or chewed insulation or wiring
• Pests continue to appear despite sealing and cleanup efforts
• Moisture issues that seem to be driving repeated infestations
• You simply want to be proactive in the fight against insect and rodent infestations

While moisture control helps remove conditions pests rely on, active infestations still need to be addressed directly. That’s where Getem’s home pest control services come in.

Locally owned and family-operated since 1922, Getem Services offers professional home pest control services to homeowners in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and throughout Hampton Roads and the Tidewater region. Our team targets active infestations at the source and helps prevent new pest problems from developing, protecting both your property and your family.

If you’re concerned about pests starting in your crawl space or making their way into your home, Getem Services can help. Contact us today!