As homeowners, we often think of the possibility of rodents getting into our pantries, basements, and trash cans. But attic insulation is another common place affected by rodents, and solving this problem can take significant time, energy, and money.
Here are the signs of rodents in attic insulation so that you can address the situation quickly and exterminate them effectively.
Pests Found in Attic Insulation
Various pests can find their way into attic insulation and cause damage in a home. Many New Jersey homeowners have experienced issues with mice eating insulation and rats in attic insulation. Attics are ideal habitats for rodents because they are warm, safe from predators, and offer excellent nesting conditions. Beyond just rodents, you might also find cockroaches, wasps, termites, bed bugs, ants, raccoons, and spiders living up there among the fiberglass and cellulose materials that provide cozy homes for unwanted guests.
Insulation Risks with Pests
Pests in attic insulation are a problem because homes depend upon this insulation to provide structural support, direct airflow, and improve energy efficiency. Whether your insulation is made from flexible fiber sheets, loose fibers, fiber pellets, or foam spray, these materials prevent heat from escaping in the winter and enable cool air to circulate throughout the house in the summer.
When pests chew through insulation, this protective layer is eliminated, leaving you feeling uncomfortable temperature-wise and paying higher energy bills throughout the year. Moisture and draft problems are common after insulation deteriorates. Additionally, a rodent infestation can present health risks, including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Signs of a Rodents in Your Insulation
It is easy for rodents to live in attic insulation for a long time without being noticed because many people do not frequently access these parts of their homes. However, you can be mindful of the warning signs of an insulation infestation and take action quickly to remove them.
Here are some common signs of rodents in attic insulation:
- Pieces of insulation material on the attic floor
- Fecal droppings on the floor
- Urine stains on the walls
- Musty smell throughout the attic
- Scurrying and scratching noises
- Gnaw marks on items stored in your attic
How to Prevent Rodents in Attic Insulation
One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your attic insulation is to seal up cracks and gaps where mice and rats could enter and inhabit the soft materials. Although no insulation materials are 100% rodent-proof, your insulation installer may be able to recommend certain materials that are less attractive to pests. If your insulation is affected by rodents, it is advisable to replace it to prevent the potential spread of disease and not attract additional rodents to the smells of the ones who lived here before them.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
Removing pests from attic insulation is a challenging job and one that is best left to the professionals. Precise Termite & Pest Control offers knowledgeable and reliable rodent control services to help you rest easy at night and feel safe in your home during every season.
For a free rodent inspection in your attic and other areas of your home, please contact us at 866-971-2847.