Prevention

The True Cost of Attic Damage from Rodents

7 min readUpdated Jan 2025
Attic damage from rodents

Most homeowners don't realize the extent of damage rats cause until it's too late. What starts as a few scratching sounds can turn into serious repairs. Here's what rodents really do when they invade your attic.

Every Situation Is Different

The extent of damage varies greatly depending on how long rodents have been present and the severity of the infestation. We assess each home individually during our free inspection.

Common Types of Attic Damage

Insulation Destruction

Rats shred insulation for nesting and contaminate it with urine and feces. Damaged insulation loses R-value, increasing your energy bills significantly. Complete replacement is often necessary.

Electrical Wire Damage

Rats gnaw on electrical wiring, creating fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that rodents cause 25% of house fires of unknown origin. Rewiring attics is expensive and dangerous.

HVAC System Contamination

Rats nest in ductwork and air handlers, spreading contaminated air throughout your home. Droppings and urine in ducts trigger allergies and spread disease. Professional cleaning or replacement is required.

Structural Wood Damage

Rats gnaw on roof beams, joists, and support structures. Over time, this weakens your home's structural integrity. Severe damage may require sistering beams or major repairs.

Water Damage from Pipes

Rats chew through PVC and copper pipes, causing leaks that damage ceilings, walls, and belongings. Water damage often leads to mold growth, adding significant remediation costs.

Stored Items Destruction

Family heirlooms, holiday decorations, clothing, and documents stored in attics are destroyed by rats. Sentimental items are irreplaceable. Everything contaminated must be thrown away.

Prevention Is Key

Addressing rodent problems early prevents extensive damage. Our exclusion-based approach stops rodents from entering in the first place, protecting your home from costly repairs down the line.

During our free inspection, we'll assess your specific situation and provide a detailed plan tailored to your home's needs. Every home is different, and we treat each case individually.

Signs Your Attic Needs Inspection

  • Scratching or scurrying sounds above your ceiling
  • Unexplained increase in energy bills
  • Strange odors coming from vents or ceiling
  • Visible droppings or stains on ceiling
  • Your home is more than 20 years old

Protect Your Investment

Get a professional attic inspection today. We'll identify damage early and create a plan to protect your home.

Free inspection and assessment