Protecting Your Attic from Pests

Your attic could be home to man different critters - raccoons, gray squirrels, flying squirrels, mice, stink bugs, sliver fish bats, and a blood sucking parasite associated with bats called the bat bug. Feces from these animals will accumulate and can carry diseases. White footed mice an carry Hantavirus. Bats guano can grow a fungus that produces spores that can cause a respiratory illness, known as Histoplasmosis - especially dangerous for expecting mothers. Raccoons will create latrines with piles of feces that can carry a potentially dangerous parasitic worm. In some of these situations removing all insulation and sealing the attic floor will address both health concerns and make your home more energy efficient.

There are numerous places where rodents can gain an an entry to your attic - a thorough inspection is a must.

This image shows the gap often found behind fascia, where the gutter is attached to the roof. This is enough space for a squirrel or mice.

As winter comes and the temperature outside drops, this highly energetic creatures often leave their tree houses and move into yours. For some strange reason squirrels love the attics of the houses. Once inside, they will make a lot of noise and chew on just about anything they can find: insulation, wiring, wood, etc.

Step 1 - Attic Inspection.

Evidently animals defecate... and frequently. This image shows a dirty attic with bat guano (feces).

Step 2 - Removing Contaminated Insulation.

This is a photo of the same attic after all the feces contaminated insulation was removed. Ready for a fresh blown in insulation.

Step 3 - Fresh Insulation.

After putting foam skin on the attic floor to seal all cracks, we install fresh blown-in insulation.