As the brutal Dallas summer finally breaks in late October, homeowners rejoice. Unfortunately, so does the local rodent population. Roof rats (Rattus rattus) cannot survive freezing winter temperatures outside, so they immediately seek out the warmest, driest environment available: an attic filled with soft fiberglass nesting material.
The HVAC Chases
Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime; rats require the size of a quarter. Unsealed plumbing walls, gas line penetrations, and gaps around your exterior AC condenser lines provide a direct superhighway from the yard straight into the attic.
Pest-Block Foam
During a comprehensive The Very Good Home Company air-sealing phase, we deploy specialized Pest-Block expanding foam. Unlike standard aerosol foam, Pest-Block contains a bittering agent that rats refuse to chew through. We inject this into every structural cavity before blowing the final insulation layer.
The Biohazard Risk
If rats breach the envelope, they urinate and defecate directly into the fiberglass batting to mark territory. Your HVAC pulling return air through a leaky attic ceiling will slowly cycle the aerosolized feces dust into your family's bedrooms. Exclusion is not optional; it is a health mandate.