Dangers Of Animals In The Attic

What Kind of Damage Do Attic Animals Do?

Animals can cause significant damage in the attic, but this is not always the case. The time duration the animals were in the attic, the type of animals, the amount of animals, the presence or absence of electric wires or water pipes, the type of insulation, and other factors all play a role. This is why an in-depth attic inspection is critical. You can figure out how much damage the animals have caused. Look for crushed insulation, torn ducts, animal feces and urine discolouration, and other obvious signs of an animal infestation. Look for chewed wood and pay special Attention to electric wires to see if they’ve been chewed and pose a fire hazard. Also, animals in the attic can die, and remember that a dead animal in the attic produces a foul odor and attracts flies! The feces and urine left behind by the animals may cause minor odor issues, but they are also a potential source of pathogens or illness. Don’t go near them! Waste left in the attic can encourage the growth of mold, attract bugs like cockroaches, and emit a pheromone scent that will attract new animals in the future.

Damage from Urine and Droppings

You will always notice some sort of damage due to droppings and urine, regardless of the type of animal in your attic. There will be relevant effects because all animals eat and expel waste products. The droppings will almost certainly create a mess that will be easier to clean up than most other types of Wildlife damage. Depending on the number of animals present and where they go to the bathroom, urine can be more dangerous. Larger amounts of urine can moisten insulation, wood, and other materials to the point where mold can grow and the structure is weakened. In the best-case scenario, you’ll need to replace urine-soaked insulation and reduce odors. Mold can also grow in the attic due to droppings and urine.

Grease Marks

bats and rodents, for example, will leave stains on the areas of the attic where they frequent. Because bats have grease on their coats, they are more likely to leave small brown stains near their most frequent entrances. Experts actually use these stains to find bat entry points that need to be sealed because they are so consistent.

Insulation Damage

You may notice damage to the insulation that isn’t related to waste products, depending on the animal. Rats, for example, may remove lining to create a nest, either within the insulation or by using smaller pieces to create a nest elsewhere, and raccoons are also known to cause this type of damage. In this case, you’ll find insulation scattered throughout your attic, and you’ll have to pick up the pieces before replacing the damaged area. Your home’s heating and cooling systems will be less efficient if you haven’t noticed the chewed or missing insulation, costing you more money to keep it at a comfortable temperature.

Chewed Electrical Wires

Rodents, squirrels, and raccoons, for example, will Chew wires that they find in your attic, posing a serious Problem. Because of the potential for fire, chewed wires can be extremely dangerous. There is a risk of short circuits or worse if you are unaware of the damaged wires and continue to use the electronics they are connected to. If you’re lucky, you’ll only experience an electrical outage, but either scenario is possible. Rodents have even been known to tamper with home alarm systems by chewing through wires. Raccoons, like other animals, will sometimes chew wires, but they will also damage them with their claws.

Chewing Fascia Wood

Wood is an appealing option for certain animals, such as rodents, who need to chew constantly to keep their teeth worn down. Rats will sometimes chew on your attic and roof’s eaves or soffits to gain access to the nice, cozy space inside. Eaves and wooden beams may be chewed through in extreme cases where you don’t notice their presence for a long time or there are a large number of them.

Holes In Walls and The Ceiling

Raccoons, squirrels, and other larger animals have stronger claws and can even rip holes in your walls, ceiling, or roof, depending on the material used in construction. These animals are tenacious and powerful, which can spell disaster for your home if they decide to travel somewhere and can’t find a way.

Damage of Stored Items

Most people store items they don’t need on a regular basis in their attic, which can cause a variety of problems and additional damage. mice and rats may chew on your books, clothes, and paper to create nests out of the scraps. These rodents and other animals may also chew holes in your attic furniture to make a cozy nest beneath the upholstery. A mouse or rat may chew on whatever you have stored in your attic and cause damage.

Air Ducts That Have Been Ripped Open

Raccoons are known to tear apart ducts, in addition to the other damage already mentioned. Experts aren’t sure why they do it, but they believe it has something to do with the bedding, curiosity, or fun. Of course, if your ducts are damaged, they won’t be able to carry air as efficiently.