Raccoon removal is very common in several Virginia communities, including Fairfax, Stafford, Alexandria, and Fredericksburg. But did you know that simply removing a raccoon, or other wild animal, from your attic is not the end of your challenge? It is also imperative that additional steps are taken to stop wild animals, and raccoons in particular, from returning to your home at a later date.
Once removed from a comfortable indoor environment, raccoons have been known to find their way back to the same home if not relocated more than 50 miles away.
Four steps for attic restoration and animal cleanup
- Cleanup of animal urine and droppings
- Disinfecting the attic space
- Inspect for and close all animal entrances
- Repair damages (holes, burrows, chewed wires, etc.)
Cleanup of animal droppings
No matter what animals you’ve had in the attic, whether raccoons, squirrels, bats, or others, they will have left behind droppings in the attic. Wild animals just don’t seem to want to use the toilet or go outside to poop. They are poor houseguests.
Animal feces in your attic is unpleasant, unsightly and it can stink. Even worse though is that animal feces can carry disease and parasites with it. Raccoons in the attic can bring many diseases with them, some of which can threaten the health of your family and your pets.
The proper cleanup of animal droppings is critical to returning your attic to a safe place again. The germs could spread through inadvertent contact and some diseases can even become airborne. It’s best to leave the cleanup to a professional with the protective gear and experience to do the cleanup properly.
Disinfection of the attic
Disinfection is the second step of attic restoration after an animal infestation. Even after the animal droppings have been cleaned up, stains, oils, and pheromones can be left behind which may attract other wildlife. There may also be fleas and ticks that hitched a ride on your unwanted critter invader.
By using special cleaners and foggers, a professional wildlife cleanup specialist can safely remove the germs and parasites left behind so your family and home are safe again.
Inspect for and close all animal entrances
The animal removal and cleanup is all a waste if another animal moves back into the attic again. You have to make sure that all entrances into the attic are properly sealed so that animals aren’t invading your home again.
Sometimes the entrances can be easy to find, and other times they can be less obvious. Sometimes there is more than one entrance, so when you find one, you can’t assume it’s the only way in.
Repair damages
If you’re lucky, the only damage to the home will be the entrance the animal used to get into the attic. Often there will be other damages that need to be repaired, which could include repairs to roofing, fascia, soffit, and siding.
Rodents such as squirrels, mice, and rats will chew constantly because their teeth never stop growing. There could be wires that have been chewed by squirrels or mice. Sometimes they will damage drywall and support beams. You may also have insulation that has been stained with urine and feces that needs to be replaced.
