Is this gap between foundation and siding supposed to be here? If not what should I fill it with?

Question

I have hundreds of crickets in my basement every fall. I see them crawling up my foundation so when I looked underneath the siding I see this. There is what looks like ripped plastic paper but then just a large gap into my basement around the entire house.

Is there supposed to be a direct entrance into my basement under the siding? (Maybe for moisture reasons or something?) If not what should I fill this with. Would like to do it once but do it right.

If the gap is supposed to be there could I install a mesh like this to help with the problem?

Answer 1

You can buy rolls of 'bottle or bristle brush' type material in different diameters. Essentially plastic bristles with a twisted wire core, simply cut to length and pushed up into place.

Originally designed to deter mice, but it'd work for crickets just as well.

Answer 2

That is 99.456% likely to be a plastic house wrapping such as Tyvek found in this picture:

Source: https://seamlesschoice.com/wp-content/uploads/tyvek-vs-fanfold-insulation-01.jpg

DO NOT seal the bottom with any sort of impermeable caulking nor spray foam. The bottom should remain permeable so that if water gets behind your siding for whatever reason then it has an escape path.

Albeit tedious, you can choose to install that mesh if you wish because it is permeable. I am really not sure how you would attach it to the foundation though.

Not really a permanent solution but you can also try spraying https://www.ortho.com/en-us/products/bugs/ortho-home-defense-insect-killer-indoor-perimeter2-comfort-wand around the perimeter of your house and see if that improves things.

Answer 3

Bug/Insect screen is typically used here. It is made of nylon and typically installed before the rainscreen but after the building paper.