Check your vents and screens

If a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime, think what kind of animal could fit through here! I love animals, but they need to stay in the wild, not under your house. I've seen wires chewed on (fire hazard), ducts filled with rodent nests (definite health hazard), and various bones from who knows what decided to eat what. I have not encountered any large animals yet, while in crawlspaces, and hopefully never will. If you love your house like I do and want to make your home inspector happy, please check all your crawlspace vents and screens. Thank you!!!!

Check your crawlspace

Claustrophobic? Then you may not like this... You're about to find out why the area under your home is called a crawl space. It's important to regularly inspect this area, but it can keep some dirty little secrets. Look for pooling water or wet spots. Both can create foundation problems, and moisture in the crawl space can promote mold growth. Also look for live animals or signs of their presence. Word to the wise: tuck your pants into your boots to keep any insects or animals from crawling up your leg.

--Kudzu

Block crawlspace openings

According to the National Pest Management Association, rats, possum and other rodents will invade 21 million homes this winter. Frigid temperatures eliminate natural sources of food and shelter, driving them to warm homes for survival. If your crawlspace is open, you might as well roll out the red carpet for them, so to help keep them out, block any crawlspace vents and openings. This will force these unwanted houseguests to look elsewhere for a winter hideaway.

--Kudzu