Modern life can be full of stressful moments, and dealing with a rodent infestation certainly ranks high among them. So if you, like a lot of Angelenos, have ever dealt with rats or other pests invading your home, you know all too well the accompanying feeling of relief that comes when the problem’s finally sorted (usually with the help of your local pest control experts).
But like a lot of other stressful events in life, a rodent infestation can be a “gift that keeps on giving.” If you solved the problem with the help of a professional, you’re probably already aware of the importance of regular pest control maintenance and quality checks to ensure the furry fiends don’t make another attempt to colonize your home or garden. But beyond regular checks and re-treatment, you have a few options you can pursue as a homeowner—and one of the best ways you can combat future infestations is with a thorough attic cleaning.
Not Exactly Bats in the Belfry
Rats and other rodents are, to put it kindly, messy little monsters. They eat, breed, and spread waste wherever they like, and they seem to get a kick out of sharing the wealth. Urine, waste, dander, and debris can harbor infectious potential for days or even weeks after the last rat is eliminated, and of course they can also have a rather unpleasant effect on the air quality in your home—especially in the attic during a sunny California summer.
Both rats and their waste carry a bevy of diseases, and Center for Disease Control procedures for post-infestation cleanup recommend serious cleansers, safety equipment, and plenty of time and effort. Cleanup can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of an extermination call. The best professional exterminators provide a basic cleaning of the attic and other affected areas of your home during their service calls, but in many cases, going above and beyond is the smart move to ensure you’ve given rats the boot for good. In fact, the CDC recommends you call a professional when rodents infest your home’s HVAC system, as they have access to tools and procedures that might not be within the reach of the average homeowner battling rodent problems.
Refresh, Replace, Renew
A professional attic cleaning is much more than a deep scrub and some vacuuming. As a next-tier service, it begins with a thorough analysis of your home after the infestation’s cleared, in order to identify problem areas. Then your entire attic is vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned to ensure as much of the remaining waste as possible is removed. Any suspect insulation and other materials that might have sustained damage from rat waste or debris is removed and replaced to protect you and your family from potential air quality issues as well as future infestations. Finally, a thorough sanitizing of all accessible areas provides you with a refreshed and renewed attic space that puts you and your home on the road to recovery from rats and their ravages.
From top to bottom, protecting your home from rats and other pests is a challenging, but necessary, job. Fortunately, your friendly neighborhood rat control experts are always available to provide a free inspection and estimate. Don’t leave out the welcome mat once you’ve shown rats the door; get in touch with your local pest management professionals today, and help ensure your family, home, and health are protected today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
