Before & After Photos

Recently, our crawl space specialists completed an upgrade for a home in Point Pleasant, NJ. The homeowner thought that after a recent heavy rainstorm he better check his crawl space for water. It was a good thing he did. The crawl space had stagnant water along with high humidity levels. He was concerned, and rightly so, that mold could develop. Moisture build-up in crawl spaces creates an ideal environment for mold growth. When hidden mold forms in the non-living spaces of homes like crawl spaces, basements, and attics, airborne spores circulate throughout the entire home adversely affecting air quality for the home’s occupants, and those sensitive to mold can develop respiratory issues. Excess moisture can lead to structural damage, including wood rot wood and rusted metal, and is also an attractant for insects and wildlife. Mosquitoes, for instance, breed in standing water.

Prior to entering the crawl space, we donned our personal protective equipment. Mold is a bio-hazard in enclosed spaces and proper safety precautions must always be used. With gloves, masks, and goggles in place, we began a thorough inspection of the crawl space. There were multiple water puddles throughout the crawl space, so the area was ripe for mold growth. However, after inspecting every nook and cranny of the crawl space, we couldn’t find any mold growth that had yet taken hold. 

Continuing our inspection, we concluded that the moisture was coming up right through the dirt floor soil. Soil is a porous medium that acts like a sponge. About half its volume is air space and the other half is mineral and organic. It can soak up a large amount of water from above and below. Different soils have different water-holding capacities based on its porousness up to its point of saturation when all its pores are full. After rainfall, soil soaks up water, and once the soil is saturated, it will form surface puddles along with moisture and humidity. Although it was a good sign that there was not yet any mold growth in the crawl space, with this level of moisture build-up, it was only a matter of time before mold would form. This was a case where a homeowner had the foresight to realize there was a potential problem and contacted us early on. Usually, we are contacted after mold has already formed.

It was time for us to upgrade the crawl space. For this job, the homeowner requested that we install a vapor barrier. But not any vapor barrier. Many of the vapor barriers installed are no better than contractor bags. We use super-durable, 20-mil 7-ply plastic sheet material made up of high and low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement. These barriers are as tough as nails and can be walked on without fear of tearing. We placed the vapor barrier on the dirt floor crawl space and anchored it directly into the wall. This barrier will deter moisture from entering the crawl space. A dry crawl space prevents mold growth and other water-related problems.

This job was a great example of a homeowner taking a proactive approach to prevent mold and mildew growth. Crawl spaces are notorious trouble spots for homeowners. It’s far better to identify and fix crawl space water and moisture problems before mold takes hold. 

Recently, we went on a service call for a homeowner in Point Pleasant Beach NJ, who was having an issue with birds getting into his home. As we inspected the exterior of the home to find the birds’ point of access, we came across a damaged plastic exhaust vent. As we took a closer look, a Starling peak his head out of the dryer vent and flew off!

Starlings are stocky black birds with short tails, triangular wings, and long, pointed bills. They nest in holes and cavities and often use holes in buildings — primarily dryer vents. Sterlings will exploit a vent opening to build a nest inside the home. Damaged exhaust vents not only allow birds and other critters to gain access to your home but also allow moisture to come in, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. 

First, we thoroughly inspected the entire interior and exterior of the home to find any other nesting areas, to which we didn’t find. Next, we spoke with the homeowner regarding the dryer vent and mentioned that it needs to be replaced. He agreed and immediately scheduled an appointment with a contractor. Then, we sanitized and deodorized the vent with a solution that targets bird mites. Bird mites are tiny, semi-transparent parasites that feed on the blood of birds. When birds leave their nests, the mites are left behind without a suitable host for their next blood meal. They will enter a home and feed on the blood of humans. Bird mites are the main reason why extreme care is needed when removing a nest. 

After removing all remnants of bird activity, as a temporary solution, we secured hardware cloth on the inside of the vent to prevent any more birds from attempting to access that area. Now the homeowner will no longer worry about annoying birds gaining access into his home.

After meeting with one of our sales inspectors, a new customer in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ wanted Cowleys to add some much needed insulation in his crawl space. When we arrived, we saw that the crawl space was full of debris and there was barely any insulation in the crawl space. Little to no insulation in a crawl space can make your floors feel cold, cause excessive moisture to build up, and lead to mold & rot issues.

First, we removed all the contaminated insulation & debris, discarded them properly, and cleaned up the joists. Once we finished, we installed new ComfortTherm® insulation throughout the entire crawl space. ComfortTherm® insulation improves energy efficient and provides excellent sound control. 

While doing an inspection at a home in Asbury Park, NJ, we were approached by a frantic neighbor on the verge of tear. She said, "Please, sir, please. You have to help me. There is a giant bat on my back screen door, I've called 3 people to come and remove it. They all want several hundred dollars just to come out and remove the thing. I'm on a limited income and I don't know what to do. I just can't afford it." 

Without hesitation, we put on our protective gloves, went with her to her back door, removed the bat, and gingerly placed him in the nearest tree.  We can't vouch for the emotions of bats, but he seemed as happy to be out of the house as the poor lady was to have him taken out. It was a win-win situation for all.

She asked if she could pay us $50 because that's all she could afford. We didn't take a dime from her and told her that after that traumatic encounter, she deserves to use that money to go out for a nice, quiet dinner and calm her nerves.

Cowleys is a business, but we've been working here long enough to know that we're also about doing the right thing. Her gratitude was more than enough compensation for the few minutes that it took to remove the bat. She told me that I was her hero. Before that encounter, we never thought of my Cowleys uniform as a superhero outfit, but right then and there, we felt pretty good about ourselves and were proud to be a Cowleys technician.

This entire crawl space was encapsulated to prevent mold growth and excessive moisture due to water seepage. The client wanted to control mold and odors while promoting a healthier living space throughout the home- and Cowleys Pest Services was able to deliver!