What percentage of the crawl space soil must be covered with a vapor barrier to meet minimum treatment standards for powder post beetles?

To adequately protect against powder post beetles, a minimum of 70% of the crawl space soil must be covered with a vapor barrier. This percentage is crucial in limiting moisture levels in the soil, which helps mitigate the conditions conducive to the survival and reproduction of these pests. By effectively covering this significant portion of the soil, moisture is reduced, creating an environment that is less favorable for powder post beetles.

This standard aligns with integrated pest management practices, emphasizing the importance of moisture control in pest prevention. Such measures are part of a broader strategy to protect structural integrity and maintain hygiene in crawl spaces, which can be prone to pest infestations if not properly managed.