Rodent-proofing the attic is important whether there are signs of pests in the space or it is a proactive measure to prevent them from entering, explains Walnut Creek’s premier attic and insulation services company, Attic Efficiency. Rats and mice carry harmful diseases and can cause massive damage to the structure’s insulation, walls, wiring, and more in a very short time. Because of this, contacting an attic cleaning company is important to help implement cleaning and rodent-proofing measures. 

Top Signs of Rodent Infestation

Having a rodent problem in Walnut Creek and surrounding areas is not uncommon. In fact, about ⅓ of all homes will experience the problem. The most important thing is to take action quickly. Verifying a rodent infestation in the attic is an important step toward fixing the problem. 

Take immediate action upon seeing any of these indicators:

  • Rat or mouse droppings
  • Foul smells
  • Unusual noises such as scratching or scurrying
  • Smudge marks along walls and baseboards
  • Damage to wood, drywall, or wiring
  • Shredding to paper or materials
  • Visible nests in the insulation
  • Cracks or holes in the roof, around vents, or chimneys.

The First Step in Rodent Proofing is Attic Clean-Up 

Rodents love attics because attic spaces have warm, fuzzy insulation and other materials they can use to make the perfect nest. Once these rodents take up occupancy, it won’t take long until the area becomes contaminated with rodent urine and droppings. Since rodent droppings, urine, and fleas can transmit many serious diseases, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, it is highly recommended to contact an attic cleaning company in your area. Professional cleaning services have the right equipment to safely contain and remove damaged materials. A home may also need attic clean-up after rodent extermination.

Why Rodent-Proofing The Attic Is Vital

Where there is one mouse or rat, there are likely at least two because mice are not naturally solitary. Where there are two, there will very soon be many more. It surprises most people that a single pair of mice can produce as many as half a billion descendants within three short years, each one posing many risks to the home and the health of the occupants. A few of these risks include:

  • Fire risks from damaged electrical wiring
  • Damaged insulation from nesting activity 
  • Roof and other structural damage from chewing 
  • Increased allergies from pest danger and droppings 
  • Unhealthy air quality
  • Flea and tick infestations 
  • Foul odors
  • Toxic fumes from rodent urine                                                                                          

What to Expect in Rodent Proofing

Most people will call exterminators or set up traps at the first sign of rodents. While that may address the rodents that are already in the space, it does nothing to address preventing others from entering. Rodents can enter the home through cracks the size of a quarter or even smaller. In fact, it is always best to assume that no opening is too small because even if it is, they can always make it bigger. Rodent proofing is a service that helps make it difficult for rodents to enter the attic space, which is one of the most common entry points.                                                                             

Professional rodent proofing is a process performed by an attic cleaning company that includes inspecting the attic for all the possible points of entry and then sealing them using a combination of caulking and metal barriers such as chicken wire and steel wool. 

Where to Turn for Professional Services in Walnut Creek

For anyone in Walnut Creek, CA, or the surrounding areas experiencing rodents in the attic, it is essential to call a professional attic cleaning company to handle the source of the problem. Attic Efficiency is the area’s trusted attic cleaning, insulation replacement, and rodent proofing expert. The locally owned and operated company provides superior services for competitive prices.

For more information about Attic Efficiency or its services, call (209) 752-6089.