The Disaster Left Behind by Rodents

West Coast Fire & Water – we clean up fire damage, water damage, and…biohazard damage due to rodents?Yes, you read that correctly. Not only can we deal with common fire and water damage issues that damage your home, but we are well equipped to deal with the animals that can cause absolute destruction. Yes, they can be cute little creatures. Some families keep domesticated mice and rats as pets. However, these animals are the most common rodents that can cause harm to humans, which makes them a type of biohazard.

What do rodents leave behind once they’ve taken advantage of your property?

Feces and Urine

Animal feces do not only give us an overall icky feeling, but they are unsightly and potentially hazardous to your health. Rodent feces and urine carry all sorts of bacteria and diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonellosis and the bubonic plague. Feces and urine become very hazardous for humans to breathe in once dried. They can also contaminate food and water sources and storage. Because of these particular risks, our crews always wear personal protective equipment to avoid health hazards, as well as prevent spread and contamination. At first sight, any feces or urine need to be removed immediately and the area disinfected.

Destruction of Housing Materials and Belongings

Once rodents get into the structure of your home, they start to look for anything they can use for food or nesting. Your most precious possessions, such as Christmas decorations or priceless heirlooms, could become a rodent’s next victim. Mice and rats are also known for chewing on wood, electrical appliances and wires, metal and plastic piping, and insulation. In the midst of looking for their own building materials, they can cause fire and water damage if left to their own devices for long periods of time. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover rodent damage because it’s a type of damage that is seen as preventable, an issue that could’ve been avoided with proper maintenance. While some rodent damage is not visible through walls, most people would notice damage to their clothing, electrical appliances, cabinets or closets.

Not only are rodents notorious for destroying the inside of your home, but they are also very destructive to vehicles! Mice and rats like to chew on wires and build nests in the nooks and crannies underneath your hood and car, especially when the vehicle hasn’t been turned on in a while. They may also smell any food left in the vehicle and realize they’ve landed on a food source, as well as a safe place to shelter. Rodents can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to you car.

Deceased RodentsAlthough we can handle the aftermath of a rodent infestation, we are not equipped to handle the removal of live mice rats, and other related creatures. Mice and rats often pass away while still within the walls or rooms of a home due to lack of food, eating something poisonous, or because they are sick. Sometimes, the smell of a deceased rodent is unbearable. There may also be deceased rodents in cabinets, boxes, or behind furniture and large appliances. Proper, thorough disposal of them is necessary to maintain a healthy living space for you and your house’s occupants.

Dealing with the leavings of a rodent infestation can be a frustrating, time-consuming experience. Let West Coast Fire & Water handle this cleanup; we can do it safely and efficiently, to protect the integrity of your home!