When a wild animal or rodents have occupied an attic, crawl space or room, the contaminated surfaces and insulation harbor pathogens that remain virulent for several months. Cleaning with soap and water is insufficient and can even spread contaminants by aerosol. Professional decontamination eliminates the biological cause before it becomes a health problem.
Nova Extermination carries out certified decontamination on the South Shore, with professional equipment and biocides approved by Health Canada. License RBQ 5734 75930 01.
Areas concerned: attic, crawl space, soffits, sometimes shed or shelter under porch.
What pathogens are present and why it matters
Roundworm (baylisascaris procyonis) which causes a potentially serious larva migrans in humans, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, rabies rarely.
These pathogens remain dangerous long after the animals have left: hantaviruses survive for several days in aerosols, leptospires for weeks in a humid environment, roundworm eggs for months. Particularly at risk: young children, the elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women. Professional decontamination eliminates these vectors and certifies a return to a healthy environment.
Our decontamination protocol
full protective equipment, removal of excrement by protected hand and HEPA vacuuming, removal of contaminated insulation, disinfection with registered biocide (Virkon or equivalent), enzymatic neutralization of odors, closure of entry points.
Equipment used
- H13 class HEPA industrial vacuum cleaner (99.95 percent particle retention at 0.3 μm)
- Broad-spectrum biocides registered by Health Canada (Virkon, stabilized peroxide, rotating quaternary ammoniums)
- Full personal protective equipment (Tyvek suit, P100 half mask, nitrile gloves)
- Enzymatic odor neutralization (eliminates cause, not mask)
- Document camera for before/after photos (belayer)
Duration: half a day depending on the surface.
Underwriting and Inspection
Here are the service variants we offer for this need:
- Spot decontamination (basement, shed, crawl space)
- Attic up to 600 sq. ft. with insulation setback
- Complete house after massive infestation
- Commercial decontamination (restaurant, warehouse)
What influences the quote
- Surface or volume to be treated
- Extent of the infestation or situation
- Accessibility of the areas concerned
- Response time requested (planned or emergency)
- Scope of the desired warranty
- Documentation required for insurer, notary or audit
The inspection is non-binding. We evaluate on site (or by phone as the case may be) and give you a written estimate adapted to your building before any work begins. No unpleasant surprises at the end.
Recommended next steps
Decontamination corrects the consequences of an infestation. To prevent it from happening again, several related services should be considered:
- Catching raccoons
- Closure of animal entry points
- Cellulose insulation after infestation
- decontamination
- Complete attic decontamination
Home insurance coverage
Many home insurance policies cover decontamination when a loss is proven (animal infestation, biological damage). We make it easy to make the claim by providing:
- Detailed evaluation report with before/after photos
- Precise identification of target species and pathogens
- Detailed invoice with batches of biocides used
- Signed decontamination certificate
Practical advice: call your insurer BEFORE starting the work. Check your deductible and get a claim number. This speeds up the repayment.
Questions
Should the house be evacuated during decontamination?
For an intervention in an attic or crawl space, generally not. For decontamination in the living room, eviction of 4 to 8 hours after application of the biocide is recommended.
Will the smell really disappear?
Yes 95 percent of the time, as long as all contaminated insulation is removed. Enzyme treatment neutralizes the biological cause. If the odor persists after 7 days, we schedule a follow-up according to your warranty.
Do I have to replace all the insulation every time?
Not systematically. It depends on the volume and depth of the contamination. Our report clearly indicates whether replacement is required.
How long does it take between the call and the intervention?
5 business days on average. For urgent cases (unbearable smell, presence of children or animals at risk), 48 to 72 hours.
How long does the effect of disinfection last?
Indefinitely, as long as no new infestation contaminates the area. For this reason, we consistently recommend that entry points be closed after decontamination.
Contact Nova Extermination
Inspection within 24 hours, quick intervention. Intervention the next day. Coverage assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of the building. Call 514 666 6682 or fill out the contact form for raccoon decontamination.
Nova Extermination, RBQ license 5734 75930 01. Service 7 days a week, including public holidays. Health Canada Licensed Products.
Frequently Asked Questions: Raccoon Decontamination
What is raccoon decontamination?
This service includes removing excrement, urine and latrine debris left behind by raccoons in attics, chimneys or sheds, and then disinfecting the premises. Because raccoons are large, they often cause significant damage to insulation and structure. Our technicians clean up these areas on the South Shore and in Montérégie.
Why is raccoon droppings particularly risky?
Raccoon feces may contain Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm whose eggs are very resistant and dangerous to humans if inhaled or ingested. They form common latrines that concentrate contamination. Our technicians remove these materials with strict protective equipment according to the standards in force.
What damage does a raccoon cause in a house?
Powerful and skillful, the raccoon tears through insulation, breaks vents and damages ducts to create its den. A female can set up a litter there, which increases damage and contamination. The decontamination is then accompanied by an evaluation of the repairs to be planned in Boucherville or Longueuil.
Should the animal be captured before decontaminating?
Yes, we must first make sure that the raccoon and its young have left the premises before any clean-up, for reasons of safety and humanity. We exclude or capture, then decontaminate and seal the accesses. This order avoids trapping an animal in the building.
Do you offer a guarantee against raccoon return?
We aim for sustainable results that are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, without promising absolute guarantees. A building with outdated or poorly sealed roof openings can attract a raccoon again, which is the responsibility of the owner’s maintenance. Our technicians recommend the necessary reinforcements.
How much does it cost to decontaminate after a raccoon?
The price is established on the basis of an evaluation, depending on the extent of the damage, the volume of materials to be removed and access to the premises. An inspection in Chambly or elsewhere on the South Shore allows for an accurate estimate. It is a paid service carried out by RBQ certified technicians.