Rodents, Wildlife…Ducks? Oh My!
Are Attic Inspections Important?
Have you ever heard strange noises coming from your attic? Scratching, shuffling, and maybe even a few heavy thuds from something knocking around? You will have found yourself wondering, “Is it mice, rats, or something bigger like a raccoon? An opossum?”. Well you are not alone! In fact, one of our recent clients called in with exactly that concern—except what they found in their attic was even more surprising than they expected.
When our specialist arrived at the top of the attic stairs, he was met with a set of beady eyes staring back at him. Was it a raccoon? An opossum? Nope, it was a duck. No hunting prop or plastic yard decoration. Yes, a real-life duck had somehow found its way into the attic. While ducks are undeniably adorable, they’re not the kind of tenants you want in your attic.
Why Does Attic Cleaning Matter?
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Why are Animals in the Attic a Problem?
- Animal Behavior and Health Risks: Animal droppings can carry a variety of harmful diseases, such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, which can spread to your home’s air quality. Even if the animals seem harmless, their waste is not.
- Nesting Behavior and Your Insulation: Believe it or not, many animals, including ducks, make nests in attics to stay safe and warm. These nests are often made of twigs, leaves, and any available material—including your attic insulation. As animals burrow and settle in, they can crush, compress, and contaminate insulation, reducing its effectiveness and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
- The Result; Damage to Insulation: Whether it’s urine soaking into fiberglass or droppings mixing with cellulose, animal waste causes insulation to lose its integrity. The longer it remains, the worse the problem becomes, leading to higher energy bills and potential long-term damage to your home’s structure.
Benefits of Blown-in Pest-Resistant Cellulose Insulation
When you’re ready to install new insulation, blown-in pest-resistant cellulose insulation offers a host of advantages. This option is environmentally friendly, as it’s made from recycled materials, and it naturally resists pests. Here’s why cellulose is a great choice for your attic:
- Pest Resistance: Blown-in cellulose is treated with a pest-repelling agent, which makes it an ideal option for keeping rodents and insects at bay.
- Energy Efficiency: It creates an airtight seal, preventing drafts and heat loss in the winter while keeping your home cool in the summer.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled paper, it’s a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise your home’s energy efficiency.
- Soundproofing: In addition to insulation, cellulose also helps reduce noise, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
How Does This Lead to Attic Cleaning?
After our specialist found the duck in the attic and completed the inspection it became clear that our client needed BUGSGO Insulation, a Division of BUGCO Pest Control’s services. In cases like this, the need for professional attic cleaning becomes urgent, and here’s why:
1. Removal of Old Insulation: The first step is to remove the contaminated insulation. This process ensures that all animal waste, nesting materials, and other debris are completely cleared out, making way for a cleaner, safer space.
2. Sanitation: Once the old insulation is gone, we use high-grade disinfectants to sanitize the entire attic. This disinfectant is specially designed to reach every nook and cranny, ensuring that no germs, bacteria, or lingering smells remain. The goal is to restore the attic to a sanitary, safe state, free from pathogens and contaminants.
3. Sealing Entry Points: To prevent any future visitors, we carefully seal all potential entry points that animals could use to access your attic. This step is crucial in ensuring that your attic stays free of critters and other pests in the future. In some cases it may be advised that contractors be hired to repairs any extensive structural damage caused by animals or pests.
4. Installation of New, Pest-Resistant Insulation: Finally, we add new insulation that is both energy-efficient and pest-resistant. Blown-in cellulose insulation provides a barrier against future animal infestations while blown-in fiberglass insulation helps keep your attic temperature stable. It’s the ideal solution for maintaining both your home’s energy efficiency and hygiene.
Protect Your Home—Get an Attic Inspection Today!
If you’re hearing unusual noises in your attic or suspect that animals have made their way in or something like a leak has possibly saturated areas of your attic, it’s essential to address the situation before it causes lasting damage.
Viruses, Bacteria, Pathogens: The wide range of respiratory issues that can be caused from breathing in contaminants and irritants to actually contracting a disease lurking in your home contamination to
Structural Damage: Are you seeing discolored spots on the ceiling? Strange smells? Have your allergies gotten worse or you can’t kick that cough? Sometimes the cause of your issues are right overhead.
Not all damage is from invading pests, sometimes it is the age of your insulation. At other times there was an incident of water damage in your attic that went unaddressed. When in doubt you should get an inspection for any of these to ensure you are being proactive. Some signs of invading pests are obvious, damaged soffits, eaves, or other areas where they found their way in. But what about the areas you may not be aware of? Pests who nest in your attic are also using it as their personal restroom, that means saturated with urine can become so heavy that can collapse under the weight of the collected urine in worst case scenarios.
Did you know that sheetrock or drywall can absorb liquids like a sponge? So whether it is insulation with water damage that needs to be pulled out before molds of fungus become an issue or because pests have made a mess, BUGSO Insulation and BUGCO Pest Control has you covered!
A professional attic inspection will identify any signs of pests, contamination, or damage. It’s the first step toward restoring your attic to a safe, clean, and energy-efficient space.
Bonus Tip: Professional Attic Cleaning and Insulation Services Near You
If you’re in Houston and searching for attic cleaning and sanitizing near me or affordable attic insulation, it’s important to choose a trusted professional who can handle both aspects of attic care. A professional attic cleaning service ensures that your space is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and ready for new insulation. By opting for a complete service, you save time, money, and ensure that your attic remains safe from pests and contaminants in the long term.
Ready to Tackle Your Attic Problems? Schedule Your Inspection Now!
We specialize in Pest Control, Attic Cleaning, Attic Sanitation, and insulation Services. Whether you’re dealing with pests or simply need an energy-efficient upgrade, our experts are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your attic cleaning inspection, and let us help you get your attic back to its best!