While most people hardly ever look in their attics, the one exception is usually right around this time of year. Whether it’s to retrieve holiday decorations from storage, or to investigate where that draft is coming from, many Albany NY homeowners find themselves in their attics for the first time in months – and they are often surprised at what they see.
As pest control professionals who specialize in attic cleanouts and insulation installations in Albany, Troy & Schenectady NY, we often receive calls this time of year from homeowners who notice their insulation has been damaged, chewed or worn. If this sounds like your attic, read on to find out why this is a problem, and what you can do to about it.
Why is Attic Insulation Important?
Attic space is often neglected in a home, but it’s actually one of the biggest sources of energy inefficiencies and pest control problems in Albany and the surrounding Capital Region. Without proper attic insulation, you are inviting pests to take up residence in your home, and allowing your heating costs to literally go through the roof.
Common Threats to Your Insulation
Mice, squirrels, even bats love attics and old fiberglass insulation. It’s warm and easy to chew on, break into pieces and move from place to place for nests. Not only is this bad news for your heating and cooling bills, but it can lead to major safety and health hazards. Mice, for instance, have been known to chew on electrical wires, causing house fires, and many pests carry viruses, bacteria, ticks, fleas, parasites and disease.
Even if you don’t have pests or rodents in your attic, your insulation can become worn and inefficient over time. Our Albany NY insulation specialists recommend checking your attic at least every two years, more often if you’ve had a rodent infestation or nuisance wildlife problems in the past, and suggest using thermally superior Pest Control Attic Insulation when replacing old fiberglass to both prevent pests and avoid losing money in increased heating and cooling costs.
How to Remove Rodent-Infested, Worn or Moldy Insulation
The short answer is: you don’t. It’s best to hire a professional pest control insulation specialist to handle potential biohazards and remove wild animals. An attic cleanout should be performed by a professional if:
- Nuisance wildlife has been an issue (past or present)
- There are signs of an advanced rodent infestation
- There is evidence of bats (guano) or other rodent droppings
- Existing insulation is wet or moldy
For pest control and attic insulation services in Albany, Troy, Schnectady & throughout the Capital Region, contact Nature’s Way Pest Control. We remove damaged insulation, clean up animal and rodent droppings, sanitize for pathogens, and install your new attic insulation. In addition to pest control insulation, we offer formaldehyde free rolled Batt Fiberglass Insulation and Termite Resistant Foam Insulation. Call (518) 745-5958 or request a free inspection.
