Why Rodents Love Crawl Spaces in Louisiana Homes

LaJaunie's Pest Control By: LaJaunie's Pest Control Calendar Icon September 16, 2025
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Crawl spaces in Louisiana homes sit out of sight, and rodents love them. Our warm, humid climate and easy gaps make an ideal hideout. Many homeowners only spot the problem after seeing droppings or hearing scratching under the floor.

Rodents in Louisiana crawl spaces cause costly damage and health risks. They chew ductwork, wires, and insulation, leaving droppings that harm air quality. Once inside, they breed fast, and a small problem can turn into an infestation.

Professional rodent control and crawl space encapsulation can keep critters out. In Baton Rouge, Houma, and New Orleans, moisture is a constant challenge. An experienced team like LaJaunie’s helps fix the moisture issues and block rodent entry for good results.

Key Takeaways

Crawl spaces in Louisiana attract rodents due to the presence of moisture, warmth, and easy access to food.

Rodents cause damage to ductwork, insulation, and electrical wires while spreading diseases.

Crawl space encapsulation with a vapor barrier and dehumidifier reduces future infestations.

Professional rodent exclusion from LaJaunie’s ensures long-term rodent control.

Why Crawl Spaces Attract Rodents in Louisiana

Rodents in Louisiana’s crawl spaces thrive on shelter and a steady food supply. Crawl spaces offer darkness, warmth, and cover from predators. Pet food or bird feeders nearby make them settle in even faster.

Moisture plays a significant role. Without a vapor barrier or dehumidifier, condensation builds up. That moisture draws rodents and can invite termites and other pests. Damp air also makes insulation and ductwork easy places for rats and mice to hide.

Local conditions make the problem worse. Roof rats and Norway rats are common in Louisiana and can squeeze through tiny gaps. Once inside, they leave droppings, gnawed wood, and chewed wires.

Common Damage Rodents Cause in Crawl Spaces

When rodents move in, damage spreads fast. Chewed wires can start fires. Torn ductwork wastes energy and makes your HVAC work harder. Nests in insulation cut its R-value and can raise utility bills.

Rodent feces and urine contaminate the crawl space and can spread disease, including hantavirus. Fleas from rodents can move into living areas and bite people and pets. If you wait, a rodent infestation can even weaken parts of the home by damaging wood supports and sills.

These problems often start small and grow fast. That’s why exclusion and sealing entry points are essential steps to stop future infestations. Seal gaps with copper mesh or steel wool plus caulk, and cover larger holes with hardware cloth. These steps make it harder for rodents to get back in.

Preventing Infestations With Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation is a strong way to prevent rodent problems in Louisiana. Seal the space with a vapor barrier to cut moisture that attracts pests. A dehumidifier improves air and makes the space less friendly to rodents and termites.

Encapsulation also protects the home’s foundation by keeping water out. Sealing gaps and using proper rodent exclusion methods reduces the chances of another infestation. Many homeowners in southeast Louisiana choose encapsulation to protect against multiple pests simultaneously.

With LaJaunie’s Pest Control, you can pair encapsulation with ongoing rodent control for long-term results. Our team checks entry points, sets bait stations when needed, and builds a plan for your home.

Professional Rodent Control in Louisiana Homes

DIY traps often miss the bigger problem: hidden nests and the moisture conditions that keep rodents coming back. Professional rodent control targets both the animals and the crawl space environment that attracts them.

At LaJaunie’s, we combine targeted treatments, long-term exclusion, and ongoing monitoring to protect Louisiana homes. Our local team understands the unique characteristics of crawl spaces in Baton Rouge, Houma, and New Orleans, and we tailor our plan to accommodate those specific conditions.

For homeowners, this means fewer surprises and a healthier home environment.

Making the Right Choice for Rodent Control in Louisiana

Rodents in Louisiana crawl spaces won’t leave on their own, and minor problems can multiply. Acting early protects your home’s comfort, health, and energy costs.

LaJaunie’s Pest Control offers rodent exclusion, crawl space encapsulation, and long-term pest plans across southeast Louisiana. 

If you suspect a problem, contact us today. We respond fast and work to keep your crawl space pest-free all year.

FAQs

What are the signs of rodent activity in a crawl space?

Look for droppings, gnaw marks on ductwork and wires, nests in insulation, and musty odors. Scratching at night is another clear sign of a crawl space rodent problem.

Can crawl space encapsulation eliminate rodent infestations?

Encapsulation makes the crawl space less attractive by cutting moisture and sealing many gaps. It dramatically reduces infestations. For best results, pair it with professional rodent exclusion.

How does LaJaunie’s Pest Control handle rodent infestations?

We begin with a complimentary inspection, identify access points, and establish bait stations as needed. Our team seals gaps with copper or steel mesh plus caulk and covers larger holes with hardware cloth. We also provide ongoing rodent control to keep your home pest-free.

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Written By: LaJaunie's Pest Control

Ian Chi is the President and CEO of Simple Pest Management, dedicated to providing families with effective, customer-focused pest control. Based in San Diego, Ian leads a team that prioritizes community bonds and a positive workplace, ensuring homes remain safe and pest-free. With a mission centered on family well-being, Ian believes that "the answer is Simple" for all pest issues.

LaJaunie's Pest Control is a local family-owned business

Serving Louisiana homeowners for over 15 years

Louisiana is our home, and our customers are our neighbors. We were founded in Thibodaux, Louisiana, by Jared and Skye LaJaunie in 2008. We'd love to make you a part of the LaJaunie's Pest Control family. Contact us today to get started.

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