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Animal infestation in our homes can become a big problem and a health hazard. Urine and feces, animal hair and nesting materials can all harbor parasites such as lice, ticks and mites, bacteria and germs that can be detrimental to human health.
Where do the critters normally hide?
Attics and crawlspaces, basements, under patios, storage sheds, in gardens, in the walls and even in your home. Birds and bats can even be found in the rafters of your home.
What needs to be cleaned up after critter removal?
Once those critters have been relocated or exterminated, the cleanup can start. Some of the most common items that get cleaned up by professional critter cleaning companies include raccoon urine and feces, mice and rat infestations as well as their excreta and nest materials. Birds and bats can leave large amounts of droppings inside your roof and even on the roof and in other areas. There have even been reports of the odd bear doing his business outside of the woods. In some cases, cleaning companies are called in to remove domestic animal feces on properties that have been neglected or abandoned.
What is the process?
Professionals cleaning up hazardous animal waste products usually wear respirators, safety boots and gloves as well as good quality safety suits designed to protect them from the pathogens inherent in this kind of clean up. If you check with your insurance company, you may even be covered for the damage caused by the pests and the removal of the evidence of your unexpected visitors from your home. Hantavirus and a number of other illnesses can be contracted through urine and feces of rodents such as mice and rats and other pests in the home.
A professional company is able to come in, use the correct gear and cleaning materials in order to fully remove all the waste and sanitize the home, leaving it odor free, clean and disinfected. The critter cleanup companies may also assist in removal of rats and mice in the walls and ceilings that can cause damage to wiring, insulation and wood paneling. Once the droppings have all been cleaned up, biocides and anti-microbial can be used to reduce the risk of any germs and microbes as a result of the contamination. Sometimes outside areas may also need to be treated where there has been contamination.
If you have had critter issues, you may want to look at some methods to prevent them entering your home in future such as closing up smallish holes and spaces that could allow a pest entry into your home. Ensure all storage areas and garages are closed properly after use to prevent animals coming in through doors and windows. Keep a secure lid on your garbage bins and clean away any bush near your home. Store opened food in sealed containers and ensure floors and counters are cleaned regularly to remove any possible food source for the critters. Seal any gaps in your sidings and ensure there is no entrance into your roof space or attic. If you do see some evidence of critters in your home, it is best to sort the problem out as quickly as possible before it becomes a larger problem.