If you discover rats or mice (rodents) in your insulation it is important to eliminate the problem before adding more insulation.
Rodents can be identified visually (evidence of tunneling in insulation or rodent droppings) or by hearing rodents moving around within walls or attics. Rodent tunneling creates holes in your insulation, impacting the effectiveness of the insulation. Rats and mice have babies often, so it is important to find and get rid of them quickly and efficiently to reduce the potential for damage to your home or creating a health issue.
Before insulating your home:
- Get rid of the rodents in your home
- Take preventative measures: eliminate food and water sources, eliminate hiding and living places, seal all possible entry points and repair any cracks or gaps in doors, roofing, or foundation.
- Repair any damage caused to the existing insulation.
Once you have followed these steps you can insulate your home.
For more information about the harm rodents can cause and information on prevention see: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/getting-rid-rodents
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