Your basement or crawlspace may be out of sight, but it’s often a prime target for unwanted wildlife and pests. At Nest Pest Control, we’ve spent over 50 years protecting Washington Metropolitan homes from destructive intruders that thrive in these dark, hidden spaces. From rodents and raccoons to snakes and woodchucks, we use humane, environmentally responsible methods to remove wildlife, repair the damage, and fortify your property against future infestations. Your foundation deserves expert protection—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Protect your foundation from wildlife damage before it gets worse. Contact Nest Pest Control today for expert basement and crawlspace wildlife control in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Common Nuisance Animals that Damage Subbasement and Crawl Spaces
Rodents (Rats & Mice)
Rodents are common basement invaders and can multiply quickly if left unchecked.
- Chew on wires, creating a fire hazard
- Destroy insulation by nesting and urinating
- Spread contaminants through droppings and dander
Squirrels
Though more commonly found in attics, squirrels often seek shelter in crawlspaces.
- Gnaw through wood and wiring, causing potential fires
- Tear apart insulation for nesting
- Create loud noises when running and scratching
Raccoons
Raccoons are persistent and powerful pests that exploit weak points in your foundation.
- Tear off roof shingles or soffits to gain entry
- Destroy insulation and ductwork when nesting
- Carry diseases like rabies and roundworms
Bats
Basements and crawlspaces provide cool, quiet areas for bats to roost.
- Squeeze into attics through vents and gaps
- Destroy insulation and leave behind hazardous guano
- Can transmit diseases such as histoplasmosis and rabies
Opossums
Opossums are notorious for turning basements into nesting zones.
- Enter by damaging roof edges, vents, and soffits
- Tear insulation and damage ductwork while nesting
- May carry parasites and diseases that pose health risks
Skunks
Their burrowing and odor make skunks a major concern for homeowners.
- Dig under foundations, causing structural weakening
- Release a strong, lingering odor when threatened
- Carry rabies and other harmful diseases
Snakes
Drawn by prey or shelter, snakes easily enter through gaps in basements and crawlspaces.
- Enter through small gaps in search of rodents
- Can be venomous, posing a risk to humans and pets
- Shed skins and leave droppings in crawl spaces
Carpenter Ants
These wood-destroying insects quietly weaken your home’s structure over time.
- Tunnel through damp or rotting wood, weakening support beams
- Leave sawdust-like debris (frass) around nesting areas
- Cause long-term structural damage
Woodchucks (Groundhogs)
These large burrowers can compromise your home’s foundation from below.
- Dig large burrows under foundations, leading to cracks
- Gnaw on wood, damaging support beams and trim
- Contribute to soil erosion near structures
