Out of sight, not out of mind
Attics and crawlspaces are where animals nest, where plumbing leaks go unnoticed, and where contamination quietly builds up. What happens there affects the living space: odors come through ceilings, floors and duct systems, and many homes have return air ducts or HVAC equipment in these spaces.
Common contamination
- Rodent droppings, urine and nests in insulation
- Raccoon latrines and nesting damage
- Bird and bat droppings
- Dead animals
- Sewage from broken drain lines under homes
- Debris and old, contaminated insulation
How the work is done
- Inspect the space, document conditions and check for structural or electrical hazards.
- Coordinate with pest control or wildlife professionals to eliminate and exclude animals, and with plumbers to fix sewage leaks.
- Protect workers with respirators and protective clothing suited to the contaminant.
- Remove contaminated insulation with insulation-removal vacuum systems that bag material directly, keeping dust out of the home.
- Remove droppings, nests, carcasses, sewage-soaked soil or vapor barrier, and debris.
- Clean and disinfect framing, sheathing and surfaces.
- Treat odor, and seal stained wood where appropriate.
- Hand off for new insulation or vapor barrier installation.
- Document with photos.
Safety first
These spaces are tight, hot or damp, and may have exposed wiring, nails and weak ceilings. Hantavirus, histoplasmosis and raccoon roundworm risks also mean the work should be done with the right equipment.
Common questions
Do you install new insulation?
We remove and decontaminate. New insulation is installed by an insulation contractor, whom we can coordinate.
How long does attic decontamination take?
Most homes take one to a few days, depending on size and contamination.
Will homeowners insurance cover it?
Many policies exclude animal damage but may cover sudden sewage releases. Check your policy.