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 (guano areas), attic, soffits, sometimes wall cavities.
What pathogens are present and why it matters
Histoplasmosis (fungus in guano that causes lung infection), rabies (rare but serious), external parasites (fleas, mites).
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
mandatory intervention after the breeding season (August-September) to respect the status of sensitive species of bats, removal of guano by HEPA suction, disinfection with buffered formaldehyde or equivalent, prolonged ventilation, closure by 6 mm mesh 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 day to day.
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:
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 bat decontamination.
Nova Extermination, RBQ license 5734 75930 01. Service 7 days a week, including public holidays. Health Canada Licensed Products.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bat Decontamination
What is bat decontamination?
This service involves the safe removal of bat guano (droppings) from attics, attics and partitions, followed by surface disinfection. Because bats are protected, exclusion and clean-up must be within the permitted times and methods. Our technicians work according to the rules in effect on the South Shore and in Montérégie.
Why is bat guano dangerous?
Guano can harbor the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory infection that is transmitted through the inhalation of spores. It also attracts insects and gives off a lingering odour as it accumulates. Our technicians remove it with respiratory protection equipment that complies with CNESST standards.
When can bats be excluded?
The exclusion must take into account the calving period, during which the young cannot steal and must not be imprisoned. Interventions are therefore planned at the appropriate times of the year, then decontaminated and sealed the accesses. This approach respects the regulations surrounding these protected animals.
How do you keep bats from coming back?
After cleaning the guano, we install one-way exclusion devices that let the bats out without letting them return. Once the building is vacated, we seal cracks, vents and soffit openings in Beloeil or Chambly. This complete seal aims for a lasting result on a case-by-case basis.
Do you offer a guarantee against the return of bats?
We aim for sustainable results evaluated on a building-by-building basis, without an absolute guarantee that there will be no bats. An older building with multiple cracks may be more difficult to fully seal, which is a matter of maintenance. Our technicians will tell you what needs to be corrected.
What is the cost of guano decontamination?
The price is established on the basis of an evaluation, depending on the volume of guano, the surface to be remediated and the complexity of the exclusion. An inspection in Saint-Hubert or elsewhere on the South Shore allows for a fair estimate. It is a paid service entrusted to certified technicians.