Attic Cleanup After Rats in San Antonio
Most San Antonio houses have the air handler and the ductwork up in the attic. That's normal for Texas, and it means a rat problem up there is more than a noise problem. Rats nest in the insulation, leave droppings along the ducts, and chew holes in flex duct. The air your system pulls in can come from that space if the returns or the ducts leak.
Attic cleanup comes after the rats are trapped and the roofline is sealed. Cleaning first is a waste of money, since new rats would mess it up again in a few weeks. Get the roof rats handled and the gaps sealed, then clean.
What a Cleanup Usually Includes
Every attic is different, and the company will look before they price it. A typical job covers some or all of this:
- Removing nests, droppings and dead rodents
- Vacuuming out or replacing insulation that's soiled or packed down
- Spraying an enzyme cleaner or disinfectant on the decking and framing
- Checking flex duct and wiring for chew damage and pointing out repairs
- Deodorizing where urine has soaked in
Summer Makes It Worse
A San Antonio attic in July is about as hot as a room gets. Heat makes urine and droppings smell stronger, and it makes the work harder and slower for the crew. If you're planning a cleanup, spring or fall is easier on everybody. If there's a dead rat up there in August, though, you'll want it out sooner. See dead rodent odor for that.
Noise in the attic tonight? Talk to someone who handles San Antonio rodents.
Call (210) 955-2948
Should You Do It Yourself?
A small spot of droppings near the attic hatch is a reasonable DIY job. Wear gloves and a good mask, wet the droppings with disinfectant before you touch them, and bag everything. Don't sweep dry droppings or use a regular shop vac on them.
If the droppings are spread across the attic, or the insulation is matted down in trails, a crew with the right vacuum and gear will do it faster and more safely. Tell them about anyone in the house with asthma or other breathing problems.
Questions From Callers
Does homeowners insurance cover rat damage?
Many policies exclude rodent damage, but it varies. Call your agent and ask before you assume either way.
Do I need new ductwork?
Not always. Small holes can be repaired. Badly chewed or soiled flex duct is often cheaper to replace. An HVAC company can tell you for sure.
We take calls from Alamo Heights, Olmos Park and Terrell Hills, Stone Oak, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Castle Hills and Shavano Park, Medical Center, Windcrest, Live Oak and Universal City, Leon Springs and Fair Oaks Ranch, Beacon Hill and Five Points, South Side and the Missions.