Most homeowners discover a mice, squirrel, or raccoon issue by hearing noises in the attic, finding stains on the ceiling of the living space, or smelling a foul odor coming from the attic. Making a call to remedy the situation should include several estimates, opinions, and treatment ideas.
We will provide a detailed list of items we recommend based on our experience. To ensure animal infestation is stopped, a sealed exterior building envelope is crucial.
Common questions asked by homeowners during the estimating process for animal infestation are
- How much will it cost?
On average disinfection is between $1-2, removal of existing insulation between $1-2, air sealing attic floor, installing complete ventilation, and insulation to optimal R60 between $3-5 per sq ft.
- Does my homeowners insurance cover costs?
Yes some insurance plans offer coverage for rodent damage. Check your policy or ask your agent if you are currently covered.
- Should we have all the insulation removed first?
- Is the existing insulation deemed unusable?
Most of the time the fiberglass should be discarded, but in some cases the insulation can be disinfected and feces vaccuumed up and disposed of.
- Will the insulation smell if we leave it in place after disinfection ?
On warm humid summer days an odor might be present in the walls or pathways up to the attic, and be mistaken for the attic.
- What is the difference between fiberglass insulation and cellulose insulation?
With a slightly higher R-value than fiberglass, cellulose insulation effectively inhibits heat transfer.
Consequently, it aids in maintaining a cooler interior during summer and a warmer one during winter,
- Does cellulose insulation get mineral treatment to prevent pests?
Yes we put Class 1 premium cellulose in your attic.
Recommended Treatments To remedy Animal Infestation
- Attic Sealing to prevent mice from reaching the attic floor by sealing the penetrations around vent stacks, hvac, plumbing and electrical penetrations, and framing gaps while the attic floor may be sealed after attic treatment, the mice will still nest in the walls, basement and crawl space if the exterior penetrations are not treated.
- Removing feces / droppings with high powered vacuum while leaving the existing insulation in the attic
- Disinfecting the entire attic to neutralize odors and kill bacteria ( similar to cleaning a rug from dog or cat urine )
- Providing attic baffles in every joist bay and a vapor barrier top plate to baffle dam to prevent blown in insulation from clogging the soffits
- Blowing in premium class 1 borate treated cellulose which is rodent resistant
- Insulate air air seal hatch cover or pull down ladder
- Seal exterior penetrations in the building envelope using a local contractor ( painter, handyman, or pest control service with exterior air sealing experience.) Mice in particular can fit through very small gaps so minding the gaps of the building envelop is crucial to preventing intrusion.
Fiberglass insulation as shown here in a 90 year old home in Barrington Illinois. Green Attic treated for the remedy of attic animal infestation.
Common animals native to Illinois such as deer, bobcats, turkeys, and more will not be found in attics, however mice, squirrels, and raccoons are quite common. Mice will leave small quarter sized holes / tunnels in the fiberglass insulation, small brown/ black droppings and urine. While squirrels and raccoons will leave much larger feces as well as food supply shells such as acorns and walnuts.
Mice Create Quarter Size Holes/ Tunnels In The Fiberglass Insulation
Keeping in mind the variables such as size and the extent of the damage, we often find when homeowners receive multiple quotes for animal infestation cleanup, they vary dramatically in both cost and treatment plan line items, warranty, and performance for comfort and efficiency.
We recommend a balanced itemized proposal with sq footage of treatment as the predominant factor in calculating cost.
On average disinfection is between $1-2, removal of existing insulation between $1-2, air sealing attic floor, installing complete ventilation, and insulation to optimal R60 between $3-5 per sq ft.
A critter / animal discovery from hearing noises on the overhead drywall may be a blessing in disguise ( an opportunity to address bigger issues such as heat escape, moisture, mold, or mildew. )
Poor ventilation in attics often goes unnoticed and untreated.
Contact us today for pest control Chicago and begin the process of discovering our best approach methods for a healthy comfortable home.
Eliminate icicles, reduce heating and cooling costs, ensure a complete moisture thermal and pressure barrier for your attic space.
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