Crawl Space Ninja Show

Send us Fan Mail

Most people never look in their crawl space, but that hidden space can quietly change the air your family breathes every day. We walk through three practical warning signs you can check from inside the house right now: a musty odor that shows up when the HVAC turns on, hardwood floors that feel ridged from cupping, and a simple humidity test using your HVAC registers.

We dig into why these clues matter and how they connect to real crawl space moisture problems like high humidity, mold growth, damp soil, and even early wood rot. You’ll hear why “old house smell” is often a myth, how nose blindness makes the problem easy to ignore, and why calling a flooring contractor can be the wrong first move if the subfloor is wet. We also explain how to use a basic humidity reader on a register, what readings can signal trouble, and why it’s smart to rule out HVAC maintenance issues while also checking for condensation on ductwork.

Then we zoom out to the bigger picture: indoor air quality and health. We talk about humidity as a driver of dust mites and asthma triggers, plus the “chimney effect” that pulls air from the crawl space up into your living space. Finally, we outline clear next steps, including improving drainage with gutters and downspouts, measuring crawl space humidity, installing a vapor barrier over dirt floors, and using a crawl space dehumidifier when needed.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

Basement insulation mistakes are costing homeowners thousands - even when they pass building code inspections. In this video, I reveal the biggest basement insulation problems I see after 20+ years in the field, and show you exactly how to insulate your basement the RIGHT way for maximum energy efficiency and zero moisture problems.

🚨 CRITICAL TOPICS COVERED:
✅ Why building code minimum requirements will fail you
✅ Best practices for basement wall insulation (R-values that actually work)
✅ Worst practices that create mold and moisture problems
✅ Fiberglass batts vs rigid foam insulation (the truth)
✅ Proper air sealing techniques for rim joists
✅ Real cost comparison: cheap vs quality insulation
✅ How to prevent moisture problems before insulating
✅ When to DIY vs when to hire a professional

📚 Get complete guidance in my Gold Award Winning Book "Crawl Space Repair Myths Busted" (https://amzn.to/3llnB1m)

Schedule a consultation, get a Crawl Space Inspection Sheet and more: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

🛠️ TOOLS & MATERIALS (Amazon Affiliate Links):
20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
Rigid Foam Insulation Tools: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/collections/equipment-rentals
Moisture Meter: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/collections/moisture-detectors-alarms
Spray Foam Sealant: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/collections/insulation
Safety Equipment: https://amzn.to/3ZM7A5B
Mold Products: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/collections/mold-products
Ramset Powder Actuated Fastening Tool: https://amzn.to/3O5vINX
Foam Insulation Cutting Tool/Hot Knife: https://amzn.to/3MiYtGx
Thermal Imaging Camera (FLIR ONE Pro): https://amzn.to/4qQ6phs
Loctite PL300 Foam Board Adhesive: https://amzn.to/4rwMVhT
10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

**Contact Us:**
* Website: (https://CrawlSpaceNinja.com/)
* Schedule Free Inspection: (865) 659-0390
* DIY Store: (https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com)
* DIY Store Phone: (865) 321-9314

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Consult professionals for specific advice. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#CrawlSpaceNinja #BasementNinja #BasementInsulation #BasementWaterproofing #HomeImprovement #DIY #BuildingScience #EnergyEfficiency #MoldPrevention

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

There is a confirmed Histoplasmosis outbreak in Tennessee, and many homeowners, chicken keepers, and DIYers don’t realize how easily this airborne fungal disease can be stirred up around their homes.

In this video, I explain:
• What Histoplasmosis is and why it’s dangerous
• How spores live in soil, chicken coops, crawl spaces, attics, and bat droppings
• Why disturbing soil, cleaning coops, or renovating without protection can put you at risk
• The difference between acute, chronic, and disseminated histoplasmosis
• Why symptoms are often misdiagnosed as flu or tuberculosis
• Who is most at risk and what activities increase exposure
• Practical steps homeowners and chicken owners can take right now to reduce risk

Histoplasmosis spores become airborne when soil or droppings are disturbed — meaning cleaning chicken coops, raking soil, spreading fertilizer, remodeling crawl spaces, or dealing with bats can all release invisible particles into the air you breathe.

⚠️ This disease is reportable and outbreaks require immediate public health attention.
⚠️ In severe cases, histoplasmosis can affect multiple organs and may be fatal, especially for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

My goal with this video is education, awareness, and prevention, so you can protect your home, your family, and yourself.

🛠️ RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR CHICKEN OWNERS & HOME SAFETY
(These are practical tools to help reduce risk when maintaining coops, crawl spaces, and attics)

🐔 Chicken Coop & Maintenance
Large Size Automatic Chicken Coop Door
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZA8hPh
Roosting Bars for Chickens in Coop
👉 https://amzn.to/4q4VEXt
Chicken Coop Expandable Mobile Chicken House
👉 https://amzn.to/4q5NaPT
Microbe-Lift Chicken Coop Cleaner & Deodorizer
👉 https://amzn.to/4bUbctt
12-Inch 2-in-1 Chicken Poop Scooper & Rake
👉 https://amzn.to/4a4fnkd
Premium Laying Hen Nesting Pads
👉 https://amzn.to/49YASCV
💧 Water & Winter Prep
Large Automatic Chicken Waterer Cups
👉 https://amzn.to/4aj85u0
Chicken Water Heater for Winter
👉 https://amzn.to/4bjvJHT
🛡️ Personal Protection & Wildlife Deterrents
Respirator Kit, Full Face, Reusable
👉 https://amzn.to/4k6X6aq
Bat B Gone Nesting Deterrent for Eaves & Overhangs
👉 https://amzn.to/4k372l2

📌 IMPORTANT
If you’re experiencing persistent cough, weight loss, breathing difficulty, or flu-like symptoms, especially after working around soil, coops, crawl spaces, or attics — seek medical advice immediately.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

Your home's indoor air is 2-5X MORE polluted than outdoor air - and it gets even worse in winter. In this video, I'm exposing the 3 biggest mistakes homeowners make that are actually DESTROYING their indoor air quality (and one of them, you probably think is helping you).

After inspecting thousands of crawl spaces, basements, and homes, I've seen firsthand what's making families sick every winter. Most people have NO idea they're breathing in mold spores, VOCs, carbon monoxide, and dust mite feces all day long.

🚨 IN THIS VIDEO YOU'LL DISCOVER:
✅ Why house plants DON'T actually clean your air (and what to do instead)
✅ The "sealed home" mistake that's trapping toxic pollutants inside
✅ How to fix dangerous humidity levels (30-50% is the sweet spot)
✅ Space heater and fireplace dangers you need to know RIGHT NOW
✅ The truth about VOCs from cleaning products and candles
✅ Exactly what air purifiers and filters actually work

PRODUCTS:
Humidity Reader (Hygrometer): https://amzn.to/4b3rAHU
Humidifier: https://amzn.to/45OODmg
Small Bathroom Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3LBh40f
Crawl Space Dehumidifier: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/crawl-space-ninja-dry-pro-70-pint-dehumidifier
HEPA Air Purifier: https://www.vollara.com/productdetail/ASPXL/?u=moldandodors
Carbon Monoxide Detector: https://amzn.to/4q84UKB
Safe Space heater: https://amzn.to/49N8Eeb
Green Cleaning Products: https://amzn.to/4sK6rJ3
Best HVAC Filters: https://amzn.to/4sV76HY
ERV: https://amzn.to/4sR63sc
HRV: https://amzn.to/4pSEJqN

20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

**Contact Us:**
* Website: (https://CrawlSpaceNinja.com/)
* Schedule Free Inspection: (865) 659-0390
* DIY Store: (https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com)
* DIY Store Phone: (865) 321-9314

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Consult professionals for specific advice. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#CrawlSpaceNinja #BasementNinja #IndoorAirQuality #WinterAirQuality #HomeImprovement #CrawlSpace #BasementWaterproofing #MoldPrevention #HealthyHome #DIYHome #AirPurifier #HomeOwnerTips #BuildingScience #HVAC #HomeInspection #AirQuality #WinterHome

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

Snakes don’t just randomly show up at your house—and they definitely don’t leave just because you spread a repellent.

If you keep seeing snakes around your home, crawl space, porch, or yard, there’s a reason. In this video, I explain why snakes keep coming back, why most snake repellents fail, and what actually works long-term.

We break down:

• What truly attracts snakes to a property
• Why ultrasonic devices, mothballs, and DIY fixes don’t work
• How crawl spaces, vents, and ducts become entry points
• The difference between repellents and exclusion
• How crawl space encapsulation helps remove food, water, and shelter

Snakes follow food, moisture, and shelter—not smells or sounds. Until those issues are addressed, you’ll keep fighting a losing battle.

Products:

Premade Snake Repellents and Exclusion:

Snake Out, Biodegradable, Safe for Pets and Children, Easy Application for Yards, Gardens, and Sheds, 4 lbs: https://amzn.to/4jBO8BR

Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules 4lbs: https://amzn.to/4jBOacX

Snake B Gon1 - Snake Repellent Granules, No-Stink Formula: https://amzn.to/4qOgHhJ

Safer 5951 Snake Shield Granular Repellent: https://amzn.to/3LnZyfR

Dalen Large Fake Owl Decoy: https://amzn.to/4qpHTnk

Steel Wool, Stops Rats & Mice: https://amzn.to/49xACKF

Copper Mesh, Stops Rats & Mice: https://amzn.to/3NhPA07

Garage door seal: https://amzn.to/3Nsg7Yw

Snake Repellent Ingredients for Recipes:

Wettable Sulfur Powder, Organic & Natural: https://amzn.to/49Apyg7

Kukka 100% Pure Natural Cinnamon Oil: https://amzn.to/3Ln6NEN

Kukka 100% Pure Natural Clove Essential Oil: https://amzn.to/4qHvLNW

Granulated Garlic Powder: https://amzn.to/3YygALh

Mosquito Barrier Liquid Spray Repellent: https://amzn.to/3LwOHAe

Pure Castile Liquid Soap Organic: https://amzn.to/3L9Kwu8

One-Hand Pressure Sprayer: https://amzn.to/4qOirHN

Crawl Space Products:

Dehumidifier: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/crawl-space-ninja-dry-pro-70-pint-dehumidifier
 Vapor Barrier: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/12-mil-crawl-space-vapor-barrier

Seam Tape: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/crawl-space-ninja-seam-tape-single-roll
 Vent Covers: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/foundation-vent-covers
 Spray Foam: https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/products/spray-foam-insulation-kit

Zen Garden Oasis Channel

How To Keep Poisonous Snakes Out Of Your Yard (Homemade Recipe)

https://youtu.be/1pekBl-qCLA?si=h1RS0A3WUYxm-LOK

#snakerepellent #poisonoussnake #snakecontrol

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

If you enjoy this video about Mold, Rot & Pests, you’ll get a lot of value from my video “Top Termite Myths EXPOSED: Don’t Fall for These Costly Lies!” https://youtu.be/aWVwRj6Mcwk

Ready to work with us 1 on 1 and fix your crawl space? Schedule a consultation or download our Crawl Space Inspection guide here: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Moisture in your crawl space triggers a dangerous chain reaction—mold growth, wood rot, termites, structural damage, and unhealthy indoor air. In this video, Michael Church explains the crawl space cascade, how moisture feeds mold and pests, and how proper crawl space encapsulation, vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and drainage stop the damage before it spreads. Learn how to protect your home and air quality.

Dust mite proof Mattress Cover our family uses: https://amzn.to/4bnFsg7

📚 Get complete guidance in my Gold Award Winning Book "Crawl Space Repair Myths Busted" (https://amzn.to/3llnB1m)

20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

**Contact Us:**
* Website: (https://CrawlSpaceNinja.com/)
* Schedule Free Inspection: (865) 659-0390
* DIY Store: (https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com)
* DIY Store Phone: (865) 321-9314

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Consult professionals for specific advice. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#CrawlSpaceNinja #basementninja 

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

Learn the real truth about termites — before they destroy your home.
In this video, Michael Church from Crawl Space Ninja breaks down the most common termite myths, lies, and falsehoods that cost homeowners over $5 billion every year. From DIY sprays to brick-home myths to moisture problems in crawl spaces and basements, we reveal what really attracts termites and what actually works to stop them.

Whether you own a home or invest in real estate, this video will help you avoid bad advice, wasted money, and serious structural damage. Termites are silent — but the damage isn’t. Get educated. Get protected.

**My favorite termite treatment products**
Auger Drill Bit for Termite Bait Stations: https://amzn.to/49aQ0N2
Termite Bait & Monitoring System Home Kit: https://amzn.to/3LhgGDL
Best Selling Liquid Termite Treatment: https://amzn.to/3Ymc5Dk
Crawl Space Termite Treatment and Prevention: https://amzn.to/3Ln0u40
Crawl Space Termite and Mold Treatment and Prevention: https://amzn.to/3Yi6IFm
Termite Treatment Water-Soluble Borate Powder: https://amzn.to/4qj8N09
Penetrating Wood Preservative, Termiticide and Fungicide, Ready-to-Use Formula: https://amzn.to/44PKJcs

📚 Get complete guidance in my Gold Award Winning Book "Crawl Space Repair Myths Busted" (https://amzn.to/3llnB1m)

Schedule a consultation, get a Crawl Space Inspection Sheet and more: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Join our Ninja membership to get early access to all our content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdzZrKCdyNf1Oh1cGjSYnA/join

20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

**Contact Us:**
* Website: (https://CrawlSpaceNinja.com/)
* Schedule Free Inspection: (865) 659-0390
* DIY Store: (https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com)
* DIY Store Phone: (865) 321-9314

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Consult professionals for specific advice. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#CrawlSpaceNinja #BasementNinja #termites #pestcontrol #crawlspace #homeinspection #homeowners #mold #moisturecontrol

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

The air you breathe and the floors you walk on both depend on what’s happening under your feet. We take you beneath the house to reveal the three real reasons homeowners choose crawl space encapsulation: healthier indoor air, a stronger structure, and smoother real estate transactions. Along the way, we cut through common myths, explain why quick patches often backfire, and share the steps that turn a damp, musty space into a clean, controlled foundation for your home.

First, we focus on indoor air quality and moisture control. Mold and dust mites thrive when humidity climbs, and the stack effect pulls crawl space air into living areas. We walk through how a sealed vapor barrier, proper air sealing, and a right-sized dehumidifier work together to hold relative humidity near 50 percent. We also dig into soil gases—radon, methane, and other vapors—and why a poorly installed liner can trap contaminants. You’ll hear how sub-membrane ventilation, sump pumps, and drainage upgrades prevent standing water and the odors it brings.

Next, we turn to structure. Wet wood invites mold, termites, and wood rot fungi, all of which weaken joists and subfloors over time. We outline practical steps to keep wood dry: fix exterior water routes, seal the ground and walls, insulate with the right materials, and maintain stable conditions year-round. This approach preserves load-bearing members, reduces bouncy floors and cupping hardwoods, and can prevent thousands in future repairs.

Finally, we tackle the real estate reality. Inspectors and appraisers scrutinize crawl spaces, and unresolved moisture or microbial issues can stall or kill a sale. While encapsulation doesn’t automatically raise appraised value, it removes red flags that lead to delays, concessions, and failed closings. We contrast cosmetic band-aids with durable solutions and share the documentation buyers and agents respect: moisture readings, photos, and service plans.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

Cold air can fool you. A basement can feel crisp at 60 degrees while humidity sneaks past 70% and turns prized gear into mold bait. We bring on Alex Hamilton from Aprilaire to demystify why HVAC systems are built to control temperature, not moisture, and how that gap leads to musty smells, surface mold, and ruined finishes in basements and crawl spaces.

20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

We start with the classic contractor mistake: finishing or encapsulating a space without adding a dehumidifier. Alex explains how added ductwork without resizing the system reduces coil contact time and causes short cycling, which means the AC removes less moisture even if the upstairs feels perfect. Then we dive into a real-world case of a stunning, brand-new basement with humidity near 80%—leather pockets and felt on the pool table blooming with mold—because the basement sat below the thermostat setpoint and the AC rarely ran.

From there, we break down how dedicated dehumidifiers prioritize relative humidity and dew point, measuring inlet and outlet conditions to condense water efficiently and reheat the air so comfort rises without overcooling. We cover ducted installs from a mechanical room, RH targets for healthy homes, and why sealed basements and crawl spaces need active drying year-round. You’ll learn how reducing moisture can help the AC run less, why the stack effect moves damp air through the whole house, and the simple metrics to watch so you never get blindsided by hidden humidity again.

If you care about indoor air quality, building durability, and true comfort, this conversation gives you the clear path: seal smart, dry proactively, and stop asking your AC to do a job it wasn’t designed to do. Subscribe, share this episode with a homeowner or contractor who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest humidity headache—we may tackle it next.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Send us Fan Mail

ver wondered why “dormant mold” keeps coming back the moment the seasons change? We pull back the curtain on what dormant really means, why 50–55% humidity isn’t a cure by itself, and how a moldy subfloor turns into a hidden hazard when spray foam goes on too soon.

• 20% OFF DIY Products Code: "youtube" Use at https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com
• 10% OFF DIY Mold Testing: https://fas.st/t/8cfyT8P3

AJ joins me to tackle a real homeowner question from a 1927 house with a tight crawl space and visible mold. We break down the fruiting-body concept so you understand what you’re seeing versus what’s inside the wood, then dig into wood moisture content, leak pathways, and the blind spots created by covering the subfloor. You’ll hear why foam is great for targeted air sealing at penetrations and rim joists, but risky when used to blanket a subfloor that hasn’t been remediated and dried. We share simple checks for toilet flange leaks, ice-maker lines, laundry connections, and bath drains—plus why you should listen for drip sounds on plastic ground covers as an early warning.

From there we lay out the correct order of operations: remove visible growth, eliminate the moisture source, apply a root-killing treatment, verify dryness with a moisture meter, then insulate smart. Instead of burying problems, focus on sealing big gaps, insulating crawl space walls to reduce the stack effect, and keeping the subfloor visible for inspection. We talk practical targets for wood moisture, sizing dehumidification, and how to balance energy savings with long-term durability in older homes.

If you’ve ever been told to “just keep humidity under 55 and spray foam it,” this conversation will save you money and headaches. Hit play to get a clear plan for mold remediation, moisture control, and crawl space insulation that protects your home for the long haul. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review—what’s your biggest crawl space question right now?

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com