Not only will can this reduce the R-value of the insulation and lead to water damage and mold, it can also deposit infectious matter into the insulation.

Bats: Guano piles can lead to the development of Histoplasma fungus. These fungal spores can grow airborne and lead to the lung infection Histoplasmosis when inhaled in those that have weakened immune systems.

Raccoons: Raccoon feces can contain the parasitic roundworm Baylasiscarus and it's eggs. These eggs can typically only be killed with extreme heat (such as fire) or with large amounts of time and desiccation. If ingested, these eggs can hatch in the digestive system and the roundworms can then migrate through the body causing severe damage. NEVER touch a pile of raccoon feces or attempt to clean it without intensive safety measures.

Field Mice: Field mice droppings can contain hantavirus, which can lead to severe infections if the dust from these droppings is inhaled. NEVER sweep mouse droppings or vacuum with a standard vacuum. These droppings must be neutralized with chemicals such as bleach to kill any pathogens present before removal.

Birds: Nests can contain bird mite parasites. These are more of a nuisance than a danger, as they will bite humans causing varying degrees of pain, but are unlikely to spread disease.

Squrrels: Droppings can contain Salmonella and Leptospirosis. Ingestion can lead to fever and bacterial infections. 

The answer to this question is nuanced and depends upon the animals that have infested the attic, the duration of their stay, your budget, and your need to access the attic spaces.

In cases where the animal waste can lead to airborne or environmental hazards, when budget permits, sanitizing and restoring the attic is a very smart move. Some instances of damage may be elegible for coverage by your insurance company.

Raccoons are a unique case, as their waste can be very dangerous, even potentially fatal, but typically only when touched and ingested. Since time will often desiccate and reduce the infectivity of roundworm eggs, many consider it wise to give the eggs time to desiccate before scheduling a cleaning.

Having animal waste in the attic will make that space inaccessible. It will also likely lead to failed inspections should you decide to sell the house. So at some point, it will need to be cleaned. 

Regardless of how long you wait, there is always some degree of threat. It is imperative that the company you hire utilize meticulous containment barriers between the attic and the exits so that no waste tracks into your home.

Do not allow companies to bring dirty drop cloths and equipment used in other peoples homes into yours. Much of this equipment that can not be properly sanitized needs to be replaced for every project.

If a company you are considering hiring is not utilizing the same safety practices as professionals would for black mold or asbestos removal, hang up the phone. 

Restoring an attic is not a danger-free activity. Make sure you only hire a company you trust who can answer all of your questions and concerns to your satisfaction. ​

With over 25 years of experience, there is nobody better to trust to restore your contaminated attic than Wildlife Pros. We work with your insurance company on your behalf to help you receive whatever coverage your policy permits. If you do not have coverage, we will work to tailor solutions to your budget. 

We make your safety a top priority. We work rigorously to reduce the risks of an attic restoration as much as it is possible. We build containment barriers on your floors and walls from the attic to the outdoors. Every member of the crew wears safety gear, and this gear is changed multiple times throughout the course of a job. 

We spray down the insulation to neutralize bacteria and prevent it from becoming airborne, and physically remove all waste and all insulation in the attic. We utilize cutting edge HEPA filtration vacuums for debris, and then sanitize all surfaces. We will utilize containment measures as well, such as shellack, wherever needed.

Once the attic is meticulously cleaned, we will replace the old insulation with new, energy-efficient insulation to whatever R-value you desire. 

After removing containment barriers, we will also sanitize the areas inside the home that we accessed.

We take pride in our work, and have many satisfied clients who are happy and eager to share their testimonials.

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