Why repair is its own step.
Rodents gnaw to keep their teeth in check, and they gnaw whatever they find. In a house that can mean wiring, plastic pipe, ductwork, drywall and insulation. Repair is a different job from removal, and it is easier to plan once the animals are gone.
Doing repair first is a common mistake. If the openings are still open, new animals simply chew the fresh work. That is why the order is removal, sealing, cleanup and then repair.
What damage tends to look like.
| Material. | What rodents do. | What happens next. |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation. | Tunnel, nest in and soil it. | Remove and replace affected sections. |
| Ductwork. | Chew flexible duct and nest inside. | Repair or replace damaged sections. |
| Wiring. | Strip the cover and expose the copper. | Call a qualified electrician. |
| Drywall and trim. | Gnaw holes to pass through. | Patch and seal. |
| Screens and vent covers. | Chew through mesh. | Replace with metal. |
Safety comes first with wiring.
Exposed or chewed wire is a safety concern. If you smell burning, see scorch marks or notice flickering lights, switch off the circuit if it is safe to do so and call an electrician. Do not touch the damage yourself.
- Take photos before anything is moved or cleaned.
- Do not run a vehicle or appliance with chewed wiring.
- Note any warning lights, buzzing or burnt smell.
- Keep a written list of what you saw and where.
Heard or seen something that matches this page? Describe it on the call and the person answering will say what it most likely is.
Call (888) 686-4821Heat, monsoon and what they do to repairs.
Summer heat in southern Arizona is hard on materials and on the people working with them. The monsoon months from mid-June through September can bring heavy rain that finds any gap the animals left in a roof or wall. Mention any leak or stain when you call.
If a home is close to open ground, such as land near Colossal Cave Mountain Park or the Rincon Mountains District of Saguaro National Park, tell us. A repair is only worth doing once the way in is closed, and that is more likely to need attention for homes next to undeveloped land.
How the scope is built.
The technician lists what was damaged, what can stay and what needs to be replaced. You get the list in plain language, and you decide what to book. Some items you may want to handle with your own contractor, which is fine.
If sealing is not done yet, begin with rodent exclusion. For soiled insulation and nests, see attic and crawl space cleanup. A visit that starts with an inspection will list the damage too.
Steps to take before touching droppings or nests
This is general public-health guidance from the CDC, not a description of any one job. It applies whether you call us or anyone else.
- Avoid any dry cleanup of droppings or nests, because disturbed waste turns into airborne dust.
- Air out a closed attic, garage or shed for at least 30 minutes before you go in to work.
- Gloves are the minimum. Wash them while still on your hands, then wash your hands after taking them off.
- Soak, wait about five minutes, then wipe. That order keeps dust down and gives the disinfectant time to work.
- Seal everything you wipe up in a bag before it goes in the trash, and do not handle carcasses bare-handed.
- Any fever, aches or breathing trouble after handling rodent waste should be checked by a doctor. We do not make health claims about individual exposure.
Sources and standards
Where this page leans on public health or federal guidance, the references are listed here for you to read directly.
- US EPA: Restrictions on Rodenticide Products: Federal limits on rodenticide products, including why some of the strongest products are not sold for household use.
- CDC: Hantavirus Prevention: CDC explanation of hantavirus prevention, with practical steps for homes, sheds and vehicles.