You probably go up to your attic once in a while, maybe to stash away your old stuff, check for a leak, or swap a faulty bulb, and everything seems fine and normal. After all, if no one can see it, it shouldn’t matter. But what if, in these moments of neglect, your attic is harboring dangerous pests or harmful pathogens right above your head, which may impact your air quality, your health, and even increase your electric bills? The truth is, many homeowners assume that having insulation and keeping the attic closed at all times means that they are safe from harmful threats. But having old or contaminated insulation can also become a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and other unseen threats.
When dust, debris, or moisture builds up in your attic, it can go from a safe storage space to a hidden hazard. This is why cleaning and decontamination should be done periodically.
Why should cleaning your attic matter
When pests and rodents turn your attic into their bathroom, they leave debris, urine, and pathogens from their saliva, which can spread diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis and contaminate your insulation. They pose serious risks to your household if left unchecked. The longer the contamination sits, the more damage it causes to your property, like compromised indoor air quality, pest infestations, and fire hazards. Additionally, if your insulation is older or has been chewed through by rodents, it becomes ineffective at maintaining energy efficiency.
Cleaning your attic matters because it protects your health and saves you costly, unforeseen expenses. It is significant for homeowners in the PNW, where there’s a constant wet climate, damp crawl spaces, and frequent humidity shifts.
Common Attic Contaminants
Attic Mold
It is one of the most common contaminants in many households, caused by moisture entering the attic either through roof leaks or air leaks from inside the home, bathroom fans, or vents that discharge moist air inside rather than outside the house. Mold is likely just a symptom of the problem; the real issue is why excessive moisture is entering your attic in the first place.
Pests or Rodents
Mice, rats, squirrels, and bats are opportunists. They look to inhabit warm spaces, which is why your attic makes for a good home for them. They leave their urine and droppings that introduce odors and allergens in your home.
Allergens and Dust
Most people dislike sorting through their attics, which can lead to neglect and an unclean space. Over time, insulation can become worn or break, leading to dust accumulation in air vents and on surfaces.
In any type of home or property, contaminants can find their way into your HVAC system and cause mayhem. It is essential that homeowners also pay close attention to the sources of these contaminants, such as leaky filters and ducts, entry points, and dirt in the vents and on surfaces.
Health Risks Associated with Attic Contaminants
The fact that you are breathing the air in your home also means that you may be inhaling the air from your attic. Rodent waste, mold or mildew, and worn-out insulation can trigger allergies, sinus symptoms, and many other respiratory issues. In a worst-case scenario, bats can cause histoplasmosis by inhaling fungal spores from their droppings.
Can I just DIY and save myself a couple of dollars?
Absolutely! If getting down and dirty feels like a good challenge, here is a step-by-step guide to doing it yourself.
Safety first
Before heading up to your attic to clean, ensure you have all your gear ready, including PPE, an N95 respirator, gloves, and microfiber cleaning supplies. Your attic might have sharp objects lying around or mounted, debris, and insulation fibers, so keep yourself protected as much as possible.
Clear out your items
Removing stored items will help you see all the areas of your attic that need attention and make it easier to maneuver. If your stored items are a bit much to remove, start by moving them to one side of the room until you are done with your cleaning area. Also, be sure to throw out any moldy items and wipe down your plastic items with disinfectant.
Seal all irrelevant entry points.
Consider taking preventive measures to inspect your attic for signs of pest activity or intrusion. Identifying these points will help you figure out the best method of sealing your attic space and making it pest and allergen free. For best results, consult a professional to conduct an inspection or install sealants, such as steel mesh, at all entry points.
Dusting and sweeping
When dusting or sweeping, avoid using a feather duster or vigorous sweeping, as this can spread contamination back into your home’s air. You can use a vacuum to contain the dust, loose debris, and even leaves. A better way to dust would be to use a microfiber cloth, wet it, and wipe down all surfaces and fixtures in the attic. You can also use mild disinfectants and vinegar to sanitize the areas after. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
Insulation Care
Make sure to clean insulation fibers with extra caution, as they may be wet, moldy, or matted. Ensure they are not moved abruptly; if they need to be removed, leave it to a well-trained professional to dispose of them.
Proper Waste Disposal
At this point, you have already done your thorough cleaning; you’ve vacuumed, sanitized, dusted, and mopped. You’ve even returned and organized your attic the way you like. Bag all waste and debris in sealed bags to prevent airborne contamination, and follow Washington guidelines for insulation and hazardous waste disposal.
Attic cleaning might not be for everyone because of the attention to detail it requires, along with patience and the best safety measures to take as you navigate your home’s confined space, which unfriendly, uninvited guests sometimes occupy.
Pro tip: Calling a professional saves you the stress of playing detective and gives you peace of mind.
When to Schedule with Attic Crawl Space Experts
Now that you have conducted your own investigations and done your best to neutralize any intrusions into your attic, you should have an expert perform a thorough inspection and remove anything that poses a future risk.
The best time to schedule with experts will be when you notice
- Frequent and unusual activities and a foul odor in your attic.
- Insulation fibers are deteriorated, chewed, or broken.
- You have many holes and gaps in your attic
- Moist and Moldy attic due to air and water leaks
- Damaged or broken air ducts
- Your ventilation is secured properly
The health of your home is priority #1
Attic Doctor is your local attic and crawl space mold and rodent specialist. Our licensed and environmentally conscious experts aim to bring clients peace of mind and improve homes and lives, one attic at a time.