Rodents of any kind cause a mess wherever they go. You know the signs of infestation – piles of droppings and splotches of urine, scratching in your walls or above your head at night. And if you’re here, you probably know that you can call a technician from our team to eradicate a mouse or rat infestation if one were to form in your home. But did you know that there’s more to recovering from rodent swarms than a quick phone call and a simple procedure?
If mice or rats make their way into the insulation in your walls or attic, they can cause a very big and very costly problem. Let’s talk about that more below and see how Florida Pest Control can help.
Why Do Rodents Nest in Insulation?
Rodents, wherever they go, are just looking for a source of food and a place to nest. And homes across Florida have both of that in spades. At the same time, though, they want to be relatively hidden from any human onlookers, which is why they flock to spaces like your attic and the void between walls.
These spaces are likely already insulated, which is just one more appeal for rodents in the home. Insulation – especially fiberglass insulation – is warm and pliable. It’s very easy to gnaw into and eat or tear off to build a nest. As rats and mice do this, they leave gaps in the wall of insulation, as well as droppings that linger long after they’re gone. So how are you supposed to repair this damage?
Insulation Infestations
More bad news: there is little you can do to insulation that has already experienced rodent damage. The only option you really have is to remove and replace, and we do not by any means suggest you do that on your own. Rat and mice droppings can contain traces of Hantavirus, a deadly flu-like disease that will spread into the air if the droppings are mishandled. A professional has the training and equipment to remove infected insulation safely.
In terms of replacement, there is no insulation material that’s entirely rodent-resistant. TAP® insulation, which we offer as a service, contains enough boric acid to kill smaller pests, but may not work on larger mice and rats. The best way to avoid having to pay to recover from rodent infestations is to keep them from starting in the first place.
Avoiding Rodent Nests in Florida
As we speak, there may be vulnerabilities in your home that leave the space open for all manner of pests. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for rodents and other pests to take over before taking action. Florida Pest Control specializes in rodent exclusion, and we can send a technician to your house with the intention of finding and remedying the spots in your home where rats or mice could get in. When we’re done you will no longer have to worry over every scratch or strange smell. Florida Pest Control is here to make your life, and your home, clean and pest-free*. To get started, contact us today!
