Cowleys Pest Services Before & After Photos
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Attic Insulation Saturated with Bat Guano Gets Disinfected and Replaced in Freehold, NJ
Recently, this homeowner in Freehold, NJ had a severe issue with bats in his attic. Fortunately, our Wildlife Division safely removed all the bats out of the attic and then excluded the area to prevent future intrusions from not just bats, but all nuisance wildlife and birds as well. Unfortunately, there was a bigger issue that needed to be addressed.
The insulation throughout the attic was saturated with bat guano and needed to be removed ASAP. If not, there are several health concerns that could arise from the bat droppings, such as Histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs and can be life-threatening, particularly to those with a weakened immune system. It is transmitted when a person inhales spores from the fungus that grows on bat droppings.
First, we carefully disposed of all the contaminated insulation and disinfected the entire attic. Next, we added approximately 12 inches of blown-in Tru-Soft Cellulose attic insulation. The cellulose insulation creates a thermal barrier to help keep the home more comfortable and energy-efficient and the cellulose insulation will fill the attic to the recommended insulation levels.
Now, not only is the attic disinfected and the bats are removed, but now, because of the cellulose insulation, the homeowner will save a lot of money on his energy bill.
Patching Up Some Raccoon Damage in Freehold, NJ
After safely and successfully retrieving a raccoon from this home in Freehold, NJ, we needed to patch up the main access point in the soffit. As we discussed different sealing options with the homeowner, she had mentioned that she didn't want any screws in her soffit.
So we measured out the access point and cut a portion of metal flashing (that match the same color of the soffit area). We then installed it over the access point and secured it in place with a waterproof, premium adhesive.
Dryer Vent Used for Bird Nesting in Freehold, NJ
After hearing birds chirping in her laundry room, this homeowner in Freehold, NJ contacted our Bird Services division to come out and help. After a thorough inspection, we discovered that birds were entering and nesting in a damaged dryer vent. As often happens, birds exploit the vent opening to build a nest inside the home. Damaged exhaust vents not only allow birds and other critters to gain access to your home but also allow moisture to come in, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. However, the biggest risk of all is the nesting material obstructing airflow and creating a fire hazard.
We carefully removed the nesting material and then disinfected the area with a solution that targets and eliminates bird mites. Next, we installed a magnetic vent cover and then sealed the edges with a waterproof, premium adhesive and painted the tips of screws to blend in. Now the dryer vent is properly sealed off without compromising airflow.
Crawl Space Goes From from Costly to Clean in Freehold, NJ
After decades of dealing with a costly crawl space, this homeowner in Freehold, NJ decided it was time to encapsulate it!
First, we removed all the debris, leveled the ground for proper draining, and installed a dimpled drainage matting. The drainage matting allows all excess moisture to work its way over to the sump pump. Once we finished, we installed SilverGlo™ all over the walls of the crawl space. SilverGlo™ is a waterproof foam insulation that seals the walls from outside moisture and humidity to the walls of the crawl space.
Afterward, we installed a vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and low-density polyethylene that is treated with an antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth. Lastly, in order to control the high humidity levels in the crawl space and to prevent mold, we installed a SaniDry dehumidifier. These dehumidifiers are maintenance-free, turn on and off automatically with a built-in hygrometer, and there is no water tray to empty or overflow.
Now the homeowner has a healthy and efficient crawl space as well as an extra area he can utilize for storage!
Raccoons Invade Homeowners Shed in Freehold, NJ
As this homeowner in Freehold, NJ was putting his gardening equipment away in his outdoor shed, he came across a raccoon exiting from the gable vent! He closed the door and immediately called Little Rascals for help.
When we arrived, we noticed that the raccoon had destroyed the gable vent in order to gain access to the shed. We temporarily enclosed the area off with hardware cloth and installed a one-way device over it. A one-way device will allow the raccoon to safely leave the area but prevent it from getting back in. We also placed several baited devices nearby.
A short while later, we successfully retrieved the raccoon and relocated it to a new, humane environment. In order to prevent any other raccoons, or any other nuisance wildlife from reinfesting the shed, we installed an XclusionPro® louvered vent guard over the gable vent. This sturdy material is made of expanded galvanneal steel and will exclude all nuisance wildlife.