Rodent Attic and Nest Cleanup in Colorado Springs
When the mice or pack rats are gone, the mess stays. Droppings, urine, nests and chewed insulation sit in the attic or crawl space, and in deer mouse country that's not something to sweep up on a Saturday.
This service covers the cleanup after rodents: small areas you might handle yourself, and the bigger jobs where a company should do it.
A small area: what the CDC says
Don't sweep or vacuum. Wear rubber or plastic gloves. Spray the droppings and any nest with a disinfectant or a fresh bleach solution, one and a half cups of bleach per gallon of water, and let it soak five minutes. Wipe up with paper towels and bag them. Dead mice and nests go in a sealed bag, then a second bag, then a covered trash can. If it's a shed or cabin, open it up for 30 minutes first and stay outside while it airs.
When to hand it off
The CDC treats heavy infestations differently. It recommends coveralls, boots, goggles and a respirator with HEPA filters, and it says to call a professional if rodents got into the heating or cooling ducts. That's the point where most homeowners should call.
- Droppings spread across a large part of the attic insulation
- Nests in the furnace, ductwork or air handler
- A pack rat midden in a crawl space
- A cabin or outbuilding that's been full of mice all winter
What the company does
Attic jobs usually mean removing soiled insulation, cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces, and adding fresh insulation. Ask what depth they'll restore it to. Crawl space jobs may include replacing a vapor barrier. Make sure the entry sealing is done first, or you'll be cleaning up after the next round.
Questions people ask
Should I use a shop vac on the droppings?
No. The CDC says vacuuming or sweeping droppings can put virus particles in the air. Wet them with disinfectant and wipe them up instead.
What about my car?
The CDC says to air out a vehicle for 20 minutes with the hood, doors and trunk open, and not to vacuum until the area is disinfected. See mice and pack rats in vehicles.
Available in Briargate, Rockrimmon, Black Forest, Monument and Tri-Lakes, Falcon and Peyton, Broadmoor and Cheyenne Cañon, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and the West Side, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Powers and Stetson Hills.