What sounds like fiction torn from a horror screenplay unfolded as disturbing reality in Clackamas County, Oregon. Deputies responded to a neighbor's late-night call and discovered something truly unsettling – a man had transformed the crawlspace beneath a quiet condo into a fully-functioning miniature apartment, complete with string lights, a flat-screen TV, and even gaming equipment.

The culprit, 40-year-old Benjamin Bucur, had a lengthy criminal history spanning multiple states. He had not only broken into the crawlspace but had changed the locks, installed himself comfortably, and was stealing electricity from the condo above. Most disturbing of all, evidence suggested he'd been living there for an extended period, completely undetected by the homeowners just feet above him.

This phenomenon has a name: "Phrogging" – when someone secretly lives inside another person's home without their knowledge. While it sounds like urban legend material, documented cases emerge regularly worldwide. From Hawaii to Japan, people have discovered strangers living in their attics, storage spaces, and crawlspaces for months or even years. These violations of personal space raise profound questions about home security and the vulnerable areas we rarely think to check.

As a homeowner, protecting these hidden spaces requires vigilance. Regular inspections of crawlspaces, attics, and basements should be part of your maintenance routine. Watch for signs of tampering, unusual sounds, or unexplained utility usage. Smart home security systems with motion detection can provide an extra layer of protection. Most importantly, trust your instincts – that strange feeling something's amiss might be your subconscious picking up on subtle clues an intruder has entered your personal space.

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Ever wondered why some homeowners struggle with basement flooding despite having sump pumps installed? The secret often lies not in the equipment itself, but in the installation techniques.

In this eye-opening discussion, Michael Church, the Crawl Space Ninja and Basement Waterproofing Ninja, reveals two game-changing installation methods that separate professional waterproofing from amateur attempts. Michael identifies the notorious "cove" – the junction where your foundation wall meets the footer – as the primary water entry point in most homes and explains how proper basin installation addresses this vulnerability.

The first critical technique involves wrapping sump pump basins with specialized felt liners. While standard basins feature holes designed for water entry, these openings inadvertently allow soil, mud, and silt to contaminate your system. By adding a simple filtration barrier, Michael's team ensures their powerful 4,800-gallon-per-hour pumps operate at maximum efficiency without getting bogged down by debris.

The second technique focuses on creating direct connections between drainage pipes and the basin itself. Unlike competitors who simply terminate pipes near the basin and rely on gravel percolation, Michael's direct connection method guarantees that every drop of collected water reaches the pump without delay. For homes with extensive perimeters, he recommends installing additional pump systems every 140 linear feet to create a comprehensive water management network.

These seemingly small installation differences represent the dividing line between temporary fixes and permanent solutions for your home's moisture problems. Whether you're dealing with an existing water issue or want to protect your foundation proactively, understanding these professional installation techniques will help you make informed decisions about your home's waterproofing needs.

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

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

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Moisture problems lurking beneath your home? Crawl Space Ninja Michael Church cuts through the confusion with this eye-opening compilation on crawl space humidity myths that could be damaging your home's foundation.

Have you been told that simply laying down a vapor barrier will solve your humidity problems? Michael reveals why this common "solution" falls short. What many contractors call a vapor barrier is actually a vapor retarder – it slows moisture migration but doesn't eliminate it completely. If someone has promised that plastic alone will maintain healthy humidity levels under your home, you've been misled.

Another dangerous misconception Michael addresses is that removing standing water or adding ventilation fans will control humidity. While drainage solutions like trenches and sump pumps are important, they don't address the continuous moisture evaporation from soil. Even more concerning, adding fans in humid climates actually introduces more moisture to your crawl space, potentially worsening your problems instead of solving them.

The truth? Dehumidification is the only reliable method for controlling crawl space humidity. When combined with proper moisture barriers and drainage solutions, a quality dehumidifier creates the comprehensive system your home needs for protection against mold, rot, and structural damage.

Want to learn more about protecting your home's foundation? Michael's book covers additional humidity myths, waterproofing misconceptions, and practical solutions for homeowners. Check out the buymeacoffee link in the description to grab your copy or schedule a personal consultation with Michael himself. Your home's foundation is too important to trust to myths and half-measures!

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