Rodent Problems
I’ve inspected quite a few homes lately that have had substantial rodent infestations the attic. Rats can cause a great deal of damage from chewed wiring to damaged ductwork to destroyed insulation to the most disgusting smell upon entering the front door.
A/C vent filled with insulation and debris from rodent activity
What many people don’t realize is that rodent activity can also cause severe health problems which could even be fatal. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of at least 11 diseases that are spread by rodents and/or rodent urine and droppings. Even rodent urine, dried in a powder form, can be extremely toxic. There have been many home inspectors who have gotten extremely sick and some deaths have even occurred from inhaling dried rodent urine during an inspection. Click to view information on Hantavirus
Keeping rodents out of your home is something that you should take seriously. Here are some ways to do this:
- Keep the bottom of the metal cover over the a/c refrigerant lines sealed. This makes a nice pathway for rats if left open.
- Keep gaps in soffits sealed off with screening to prevent pests from entering the attic.
- Keep end caps sealed off on the ridge vents (on top of the roof)
- Keep gaps, holes and openings sealed off around the exterior of the home.
For questions or more information, please contact us through our website at www.frontlineinspections.com
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