The attic is an “out of sight out of mind” area of most people’s homes as it is often used for storage or it simply remains unused. When it is not properly cleaned, insulated, or simply neglected your attic can cause you more problems than you bargained for. One huge problem you can encounter in an attic is a rodent infestation. If you have a rodent problem, not only can they introduce health risks to you and your family, but they can also damage vital elements like insulation, pipes, wood, and electrical wires. Because of this, it is important to stay alert to the presence of any rodents that could wreak havoc on your attic. Here are the top 10 signs your attic needs rodent proofing and decontamination.
10 Signs Your Attic Needs Rodent Proofing and Decontamination
If you suspect that there is an uninvited guest of the rodent kind in your attic there are certain signs that will tell you if you need rodent proofing and decontamination services.
- Hearing noises such as scurrying, squeaking, or other out of the ordinary sounds coming from your attic
- Rodent droppings are appearing in your attic area
- Wires that are gnawed and have bite marks
- Unusual smells emanating from your attic area
- Tears and bite marks causing damage to your insulation
- Wood decay in your attic and crawl space
- The presence of bite marks on pipes
- Missing shingles from your roof where the rodent has made entry
- You are experiencing allergies or your allergies are worse than normal
- Your pets are in distress due to the presence of unwanted animals
How can I safely inspect my attic?
Inspecting your attic is an important part of home maintenance that allows you to prevent or identify problems such as a rodent infestation. Some critical aspects that should be addressed in an attic inspection are the ventilation, insulation, any leaks, the exhaust ducts, and if there are any signs of pests like rodents. When inspecting your attic, safety should always be at the top of your mind. You should carry a high powered flashlight, a dust mask, safety goggles, and high quality gloves to protect yourself from anything you may encounter on your inspection.
If you suspect there are rodents in your attic, the best thing you can do is call a professional who has the tools and knowledge to safely inspect your attic. A professional like Attic Construction can inspect your attic to understand the extent of the problem and offer rodent proofing solutions and decontamination for your home.
What is the most effective rodent control?
A common method of rodent proofing and control is removing their sources of food, water, and shelter to prevent their survival in your home. However, this won’t completely eliminate their presence, particularly if they are still able to gain entry to your home through open spaces in your attic. Moreover, simply cleaning with bleach will not fully decontaminate the area as there will be germs, fungi, and harmful bacteria as a result of the rodent infestation.
If you want a completely rodent free home, one of the most effective methods you can employ is sealing up any entry points where they may be gaining access to your space. With the help of professionals like Attic Construction, your attic can be properly decontaminated from any rodent infestation and rodent proofing systems can be put into place to keep the unwanted visitors out of your home.
How can rodents damage your attic?
Rodents in your attic can be very detrimental to your overall health and they can also cause a lot of unwanted damage to your home. The presence of rodents produces droppings and grime that creates an environment where mold can thrive. Mold causes wood decay which can damage your attic, crawl space, and the HVAC system of your home, which can be very expensive to repair.
Rodents are also prone to chewing on essential pieces of your home like pipes, wires, and insulation. All of these elements will be present in your attic, so the presence of rodents can cause you huge problems. Additionally, the presence of rodents could damage any personal items you have stored in your attic.
What is the best sealant to keep mice out?
A sealant is used to repair small gaps or cracks in the foundation or any other building materials in need of repair. Sealant alone won’t keep the rodents out, but when applied on metal or wood surfaces, it can be effectively used to keep the pesky visitors out of your attic.
One of the best sealants used by professionals to keep rodents out of your home is silicone. Silicone sealant has many benefits: it is difficult for rodents to chew through, it is non-toxic, and it can be used on multiple surfaces. When silicone sealant is coupled with steel wires, metal, or wood surfaces, it is a great solution to seal entry points where rodents may be gaining access to your home.
Why should I hire a professional to help me?
We know that DIY is a popular consumer trend, but rodent proofing and decontamination is no easy feat and not a job you should take on yourself. By hiring a professional, you are getting services from someone who knows the best solutions to a rodent problem that is affecting your home. A professional like the team at Attic Construction are experts in understanding how rodent behavior can affect your attic and have proven methods for effectively decontaminating your home and keeping rodents out for good.