When a rodent infestation is discovered, homes and businesses want it gone immediately. Unfortunately, ending an infestation is rarely as easy as simply ensuring that there are no more rodents on the premises.
Rodent infestations cause problems in several respects. The presence of the animals is enough for most people to contend with, but then there also is the mess that the rats or mice leave behind. Everything from the rodent's nest to its waste products has the potential to cause damage or illness. Unless all of the rodents are removed and all traces of their presence are cleared away, the risks to will remain.
Numerous diseases are spread through the saliva, feces and urine of the animals, even long after they have been evicted. Moreover, bacteria from the rodents may be spread through the air, negatively affecting food and water. One of the most common of these bacterial diseases is leptospirosis, which may be spread when rodent droppings are left in food and water sources. Rodents even spread viral diseases like arenavirus and Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Accordingly, when dealing with the aftereffects of a rodent infestation, it is critical that a knowledgeable and experienced professional is hired to ensure that all affected areas of the home or business are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This is the only way ensure a full recovery from a rodent infestation.
WHY RODENT FECES IS DANGEROUS
As a species, rodents are notoriously unconcerned about where they deposit their waste products. This means that when dealing with an infestation feces are likely to be found in unexpected places. While it is easy enough to simply throw away a bag of rice that rats have clearly been into, such is not the case when dealing with piles of feces.
Often, disturbing rodent feces, even if it appears to look old and dried up, can prove to be a risky thing to do. That is because moving those waste products can release tiny particles into the air where they can easily be inhaled.
A professional rodent removal service knows all of the necessary precautions that must be taken to ensure that the cleanup after a rodent infestation is efficient, safe and effective. Keep in mind that rodent waste can carry potentially dangerous contaminants like Hantavirus that can cause serious illness. All that is necessary to become ill is to disturb some rodent feces, and then simply breathing will do the rest.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT RODENT DROPPINGS?
A professional decontamination company has the knowledge and the equipment necessary to perform a thorough cleanup and disinfection of the home or business. Several steps are involved, but this is the only way to ensure health and safety.
These technicians wear specialized equipment to protect them from any harmful contaminants that may be present. Occupants will be counseled about leaving the building for a period of time while particular stages of the cleanup are being conducted in the event that it is necessary.
ATTIC CLEANUP
Frequently, rodents will make their home in attics since they may be cluttered and are not often visited. Unfortunately, this means it is likely that they will leave a huge mess behind. Using a professional attic cleanup, is the best way to make sure that the attic will be restored to safe conditions without any hazardous contaminants, odors or grime lingering in any hidden corners.
The technician will exercise the utmost care to ensure that living spaces are clean and unaffected by the cleaning process that is being carried out in the attic. This is done through the use of heavy-duty covers and tape so that exposed areas are blocked off before the cleaning begins.
All machines, equipment and disinfectants that are used to decontaminate the attic are designed to be safe and efficient. When used by a professional, one can trust that the job will be done right.
The attic cleanup procedure involves the following steps:
• BAGGING AND REMOVAL OF INSULATION
Frequently, rodents will use the insulation in the attic for a variety of purposes. They may shred the fibers to make them a part of their nest or they might simply eliminate their waste products into the insulation. Either way, it is necessary to bag up and remove all insulation that may have been contaminated by the rodents.
• FECES REMOVAL
Rodents are indiscriminate about where they leave their waste products, and cleaning up the feces is not as straightforward as simply sweeping it up. Instead, it is necessary to wear specialized protective gear throughout the removal process, and only the safest and most effective feces removal techniques are utilized. This ensures that the attic can be returned to safe and hygienic conditions.
• DISINFECTION
The next step in the process is to disinfect every surface and item in the attic. Using commercial-strength disinfectants, we ensure that all remaining parasites, such as fleas, are killed as are all bacteria. Any allergens will be erased through the disinfection process as well.
• RE-INSULATION AND RODENT PROOFING
Once the contaminated insulation has been removed, it is necessary to replace it. We recommend that our clients choose Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation. This is a cellulose-based insulation that is specially treated to provide a form of pest control against many common pests, The insulation is blown into the attic and generally is far more energy efficient than ordinary insulation. Additionally, it is possible to utilize this insulation in walls and crawl spaces with new construction providing an extra layer of protection.
Ask us about this service.
THE BENEFITS OF A THOROUGH ATTIC CLEANUP
Simply removing rodents from the home is only the beginning of the process. Even after an infestation of relatively short standing, a thorough cleanup process is usually required. Several reasons for the importance of proper removal, cleaning and disinfection include disease and fire prevention:
• DISEASE PREVENTION
The number-one reason to have professionals perform a thorough cleanup is to ensure health and safety. Cleaning the attic and other areas in which the rodents may have been living guarantees that these spaces are free of rodent waste products. This also improves indoor air quality.
If the cleanup is not performed, many types of disease may develop, including:
It is never advisable for home or business owners to attempt this hazardous cleanup. Leave it in the hands of a professional.
• FIRE PREVENTION
A rodent-contaminated attic is more prone to fire. This is mainly because the rodents chew on electrical wiring. Having an attic professionally cleaned and treated after a rodent infestation can help assure that an electrical fire is far less likely to happen.
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
