What this covers
Attic cleanup removes insulation soiled by rodents, raccoons, bats or birds, along with droppings, nesting material and the odor they leave. The crew seals the attic hatch with plastic, wears respirators and coveralls, and vacuums the old insulation out through a wide hose into bags or a truck outside, so nothing is carried through the house. The framing and roof deck are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized, and air leaks into the living space are sealed. New insulation is then installed to the depth the attic needs. Exclusion should be finished first, so new insulation is not soiled again.
When to call
- Insulation that is flattened, tunneled, stained or full of droppings.
- An odor from the attic or ceiling after an animal or rodent problem.
- Wildlife or rodent exclusion is complete and the attic still needs cleaning.
- Insulation soaked by a roof leak or contaminated after a loss.
What to expect
- ContainThe hatch and living space are protected with plastic and the crew suits up.
- RemoveSoiled insulation, droppings and nesting are vacuumed out through a hose to outside.
- SanitizeFraming and decking are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized, and air leaks sealed.
- ReinsulateNew insulation is installed to the planned depth and you see the finished attic.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Can soiled insulation be cleaned instead of replaced?
Not usually. Droppings and urine soak into loose and batt insulation, so it is removed and replaced once the attic is clean.
Why seal air leaks before new insulation?
Gaps around lights, pipes and top plates let attic air and odor into the house. Sealing them while the attic is empty is easier and makes the new insulation work better.
Is it safe to be in the house during cleanup?
The crew contains the work area and runs the removal hose outside, so the living space is protected. The company tells you about any rooms to avoid while it works.
Related: Wildlife removal · Blown-in insulation · Biohazard and trauma cleanup · All pest and wildlife damage
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.