Crawl Space Encapsulation & Rodents in Reno-Tahoe: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’ve noticed more news about rats and mice around Reno and Lake Tahoe lately, you’re not imagining it. Local reporting and health alerts point to a real uptick in rodent activity across Northern Nevada and the Tahoe Basin. The Reno Gazette Journal has covered a marked rise in rat-related service calls in Truckee Meadows, with one piece noting about a 50% increase in rat calls since 2020and a 10% bump this year alone.

Around Lake Tahoe, SFGATE chronicled an “unprecedented” summer surge, and pest pros described pulling dozens of rats from a single property, while vacation rental managers warned guests about heightened mouse activity.

Closer to home, health officials have flagged the return of hantavirus cases in Washoe County in 2025, with exposures tied to rodent droppings disturbed during household projects. State agencies also urged caution after additional cases elsewhere in Nevada. 

So, what can a homeowner do, and where does crawl space encapsulation (CleanSpace®) fit in?

What CleanSpace® Does (and Doesn’t) Do

CleanSpace® encapsulation lines your crawl space floors and walls with a durable vapor barrier and seals vents and other openings as part of a moisture and air-control system. This reduces humidity, musty odors, wood rot risk, and energy waste, and creates a cleaner, brighter, more maintainable space.

It is important to note that CleanSpace® is not a rodent extermination service. In fact, industry guidance is explicit: if rodents are present, a licensed exterminator should address the active infestation before encapsulation. After remediation, the encapsulation proceeds, and often alongside targeted exclusion upgrades, to help keep the problem from coming back. 

Prevent vs. Deter: Can CleanSpace® “Stop” Rodents?

• Encapsulation can deter, not “cure.” By sealing vents, limiting air exchange, and covering soil, you eliminate many attractants (dampness, nesting material access, easy pathways). It makes the crawl space less hospitable to rodents and improves the success of an exclusion program.

• Rodents are persistent. Extension and public health resources emphasize that true prevention hinges on exclusion: sealing every entry point with rodent-proof materials (e.g., metal flashing, hardware cloth, steel/copper mesh with sealant)—not just plastic films or foam alone. 

• Plastic isn’t bite-proof. While CleanSpace® is tough, rodents can chew many plastics if they already have access. That’s why entry-point sealing and, in some cases, structural upgrades (like screening vents with ¼" hardware cloth or even adding a thin “rat slab” in chronically burrowed soils) are part of a comprehensive plan when needed. 

The bottom line is that CleanSpace® helps deter rodents by changing the environment, but it does not replace extermination or professional exclusion when there’s an active or severe problem.

When to Call Pest Control First and When to Call Us!

Call pest control first if you notice:

• Fresh droppings, live sightings, strong ammonia odor, or gnaw marks

• Active burrows/tunnels at the foundation

• Contaminated insulation or widespread nesting

Public health advisories around hantavirus make safe cleanup and remediation the first priority when you have active rodent contamination. A licensed pro can remove nests, neutralize contamination, and knock down populations. 

 

Then call us at Madole Construction to:

• Inspect the crawlspace envelope and drainage

• Plan a CleanSpace® encapsulation to control moisture and odors

• Coordinate exclusion upgrades (vent screening, door/door sweep solutions, rim joist sealing, utility penetrations) so the space is sealed to rodent-proofing standards recommended by wildlife and building experts.

Why Encapsulation Helps in Reno–Tahoe

• Moisture control = fewer attractants. Rodents and insects thrive in dark, humid spaces. Encapsulation lowers humidity and removes exposed soil and organic debris that can support pests. 

• Cleaner, safer maintenance. A bright, lined crawl space makes it easier to monitor for new activity, spot intrusion points early, and service plumbing/HVAC without disturbing contaminated dust. 

• Health-protective in a high-alert region. With recent hantavirus alerts, reducing droppings/dust exposure risk during future work under the home is a real benefit. (Encapsulation isn’t a disinfectant, but after proper remediation it helps keep conditions stable and cleanable.) 

What a “Rodent-Smart” Encapsulation Plan Includes

1. Assessment & Moisture Fixes
   Verify drainage, downspouts, and groundwater control; add sump/drainage if needed. Then encapsulate with CleanSpace® from walls to floor for a continuous barrier. 

2. Exclusion Upgrades

   • Screen all crawl vents with ¼" hardware cloth (not plastic screen).

   • Seal utility penetrations with steel/copper mesh + high-quality sealant.

   • Install tight-fitting exterior doors and sweeps designed for rodent resistance. 

3. Sanitation & Food Source Control
   Keep pet food, bird seed, and garbage secured; maintain landscaping and eliminate harborage. Local extension guidance stresses sanitation + exclusion as the core of non-chemical rodent control. 

4. Monitoring
   Use tamper-resistant stations or mechanical traps outside the encapsulated space if recommended by your pest pro; inspect quarterly (or seasonally in Tahoe second homes).

FAQ

1. Does CleanSpace® “prevent” rodents?
   It deters by making the crawl space dry, sealed, and inhospitable—but it’s not a standalone rodent-proofing or extermination system. Pair it with professional exclusion and (if needed) pest control for best results. 
2. If I already have mice or rats, should I encapsulate now?
   No—treat the infestation first, then encapsulate and complete exclusion so you don’t lock in contamination or leave hidden access points unaddressed.
3. Isn’t plastic chewable?
   Rodents can chew many plastics if they have access. That’s why hardware cloth, metal flashing, and properly sealed penetrations are essential. Encapsulation supports the strategy but doesn’t replace it. 

Ready for a rodent-smart crawl space?

With rat and mouse activity up across Truckee Meadows and reports of surges around Lake Tahoe, plus recent hantavirus alerts, taking a proactive, layered approach is the smart way to protect your home and health.

Madole Construction can coordinate with your pest professional and design a CleanSpace tailored to your home. If you’re seeing signs of rodents, start with a licensed pest control visit, then book your crawlspace evaluation with us.