Prevention

• Prevent odor in the the first place. The best way to make sure your crawl space doesn't suffer from odor is to ensure proper cleaning and ventilation so that odor will not appear to begin with. By using a dehumidifier you can create better airflow and prevent moisture from settling in your crawl space attracting odor and rodents. Regular cleaning of your crawl space will provide a hostile environment for dirt and odor.
  
  

Identification

• Identify the source of the odor. If odor appears, the only way to eradicate it is to first find the source.This requires a thorough trek through your crawl space. Sometimes rodent feces or bacteria may be the cause of the smell. The cleaning of rodent feces can be harmful so it is best not to attempt to clean it up yourself, since the feces could harbor disease. Qualified professional pest control companies are equipped to handle cases like these. If there is a bacterial or mold infestation, use a multipurpose sanitizing spray to break it up and kill the bacteria as well as aid in odor removal. Touching any bacteria, especially if it is unknown to you, is not wise.
  
  

Decontaminate

• Decontaminate and repair the area. Once you have identified the odor and taken steps to eradicate it, you must then restore your crawl space. This means removing any wood or materials damaged by mold, bacteria, water or rodent feces. This is also the time to set up insect and animal traps or hire an exterminator for extreme infestation. Basically, you'll want to eliminate anything that will stand in the way of you coming into your crawl space for regular cleaning in the future.
  
  

Restore

• Replace anything that is weathered, molded or damp. Once the odor is removed, begin restoring your crawl space and possibly even reorganizing to prevent clutter and places for odor-causing rodents and bacteria to hide. Adding storage spaces that leave your crawl space less cluttered will aid you in future odor removal.
  
  

Maintenance

• Clean often to maintain an odor-free environment. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping odor at bay in the future. Remove any dirt, residue and insect or rodent damage on site. Visit your crawl space weekly to clean with a multipurpose sanitizing spray in the crevices where you've seen trouble before.