What To Do About Bugs And Rodents Found In Your Insulation
Nothing attracts small rodents like cozy insulation. Rats, mice, and raccoons are among the critters that find their way into your home through this safe haven.
Signs Of Damage
Insulation is essential to keep your home comfortable in the winter and cool in the summer. It also helps reduce noise and energy costs. However, many people don’t realize that insulation is also an inviting place for pests. Rodents, such as rats and mice, find it easy to tunnel through pliable fiberglass insulation and make their nests. Rats and mice leave behind droppings and other waste products, which can contribute to air quality problems. They can also cause expensive repair work and damage to your roof. Cockroaches are another common type of pest that may be found in your insulation. They can cause asthma attacks and trigger allergies. If you’re having trouble with rodents or insects in your insulation, it’s important to call a professional before attempting to remove the damaged material yourself. Otherwise, you could spread Hantavirus to the air, which can be dangerous to your health.
Check For Nesting
When bugs and rodents are found in your insulation, there are some things you can do to make sure they’re removed and don’t cause any damage. One of the best ways to know if you have a pest problem is to look at the droppings and chew marks they leave behind. If you notice a few tiny black pellets or a large number of bite marks, then you might have mice or rats in your insulation. These creatures are a common pest in attics and can cause a lot of damage to your home. Another telltale sign of a nesting situation is the presence of stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. These insects love a warm, dry attic as a place to build their nests. You’ll likely hear them buzzing and see a flight pattern to and from the roof. This is a good time to call in pest control services. They can help remove the infestation and replace your insulation in a way that’s safe for you and your family.
Prevention
Despite their best efforts, mice, rats and squirrels will gnaw their way into your home at some point or another. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep these pesky little pests out of your abode and your sanity intact. The first step in the battle is to recognize your nocturnal neighbors. In addition to removing rodents from your home, you can take steps to prevent them from returning in the first place with a few simple measures like keeping food and garbage out of their way. Having a few clear zones in your attic and crawlspace will go a long way towards keeping you and your family healthy and happy for years to come.