Attic decontamination

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: the granary as a whole, regardless of the contaminating species.

What pathogens are present and why it matters

Cocktail of pathogens depending on the species present (rodents + wild animals + birds), persistent odours, degradation of insulation and framework.

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

preliminary diagnosis, complete removal of contaminated insulation, HEPA suction of surfaces, disinfection by broad-spectrum biocide spray, odor neutralization, replacement of insulation if required (cellulose, fiberglass or urethane according to the estimate), final inspection.

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: 1 to 3 days depending on the surface and condition.

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:

• decontamination
• Cellulose insulation after infestation
• Urethane insulation and technical caulking
• Decontamination after raccoons
• Decontamination after bats

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 attic decontamination contact form.

Nova Extermination, RBQ license 5734 75930 01. Service 7 days a week, including public holidays. Health Canada Licensed Products.