A common problem for homeowners is finding rodents like squirrels nesting in their attic. They are a nuisance, making their nests and leaving droppings all over the place, requiring attic cleanup and decontamination. Not only are they nuisance, they can damage your attic, chewing through wood, insulation and electrical wiring. They create health and fire hazards, and getting rid of them and keeping them away is essential. 

Whether you’ve had pests, water damage or other problems in your attic, once the problems are stemmed, it’s then time for attic cleanup and decontamination. While professionals like those at Attic Decontamination Half Moon Bay can get rid of droppings and remove mold, you can take some steps to clean the attic as well. Start by removing boxes, furniture and other items, or stack them in a corner until you finish dusting the area. You will also want to wash and dust any fabrics.

Begin your cleanup by dusting, using an electrostatically charged duster. Clean thoroughly over the walls, wooden beams, columns and baseboards, as well as windows and frames. Make sure to dust fans and fixtures. If the dust is thick, you might want to consider using  a vacuum. Follow up your dusting by sweeping the area.

Follow up the dusting and sweeping with an inspection of the insulation. Adequate insulation will be at the same level as the floor joists. If it’s below the joists, you should add insulation. Along inspecting the insulation, look for signs of mold. Mold will appear as dark spots on the wood, and you may notice a musty smell. Anytime you find mold, it may be best to call in a specialist to get rid of it. For all your cleaning efforts wear a mask that filters airborne particles and gloves. 

If you see dark spots in your attic, you probably have mold. While it’s a serious problem requiring attic cleanup and decontamination, you shouldn’t fret, because mold can be removed. Mold removal specialists are your best bet when it comes to removing the mold itself. But, to prevent the mold from returning, you can take some steps to prevent it from returning. 

Mold grows where there’s moisture, and moisture can get in through several ways. Check for roof leaks, and if there are any, get them repaired by a reputable roofer. You may also have wet insulation, which needs to be removed and replaced. Wet insulation not only creates the potential for mold, it will lose its effectiveness to improve ventilation and heat absorption. Also check your soffit vents and other vents to see if airflow is adequate. Your attic should be relatively cool. If it’s hot and stuffy the ventilation is poor, and poor ventilation can lead to mold growth.

Anytime you go into the attic, you’ll probably see dust. If you haven’t dusted in a long time, the dust will be really thick. As part of your attic cleanup and decontamination, you want to dust regularly. For really thick dust, it’s probably best to use a vacuum to clean it. You can also use an electrostatically charged duster. Make sure you have bags to collect the dust and take it outside. You also want to wear a dust mask and gloves while cleaning. Attic decontamination services like Attic Decontamination Half Moon Bay can also be called to ensure your attic is cleaned thoroughly.

How much does attic decontamination cost?

Attic cleaning and decontamination costs will vary. On average, however, you can expect to spend anywhere between $110 and $160. Additional services like rodent removal and rodent proofing will incur additional costs. Rodent removal can cost anywhere between $95 and $235, while rodent proofing will cost anywhere between $125 to $200. Decontaminating your attic after having rodents or pests removed will cost on average about $1.50 per square foot. A full decontamination will cost anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.

When you have to clean your attic because of pests, to manage the cost, you may wonder, “Does homeowners insurance cover attic restoration?” The answer is, “Sometimes.” If you have problems with bats, racoons and or some birds, homeowners insurance may cover the decontamination service. But common pests like squirrels mice or rats may not be covered, unless they have gotten into the attic because of damage caused by a storm or other covered peril. Even with animals that are covered, the payout may be minimal. Check with your insurance company to find out exactly what’s covered in your policy.