Troublesome
pests are a problem businesses and homeowner’s battle all the time.
Termites can destroy the very structure of your building or house, ants
persistently invade your interiors, raccoons tear into your attic, and
wasps can create nests!
While
the right pest control strategy can help protect areas of the house or
building and keep pests at bay, one of the paths that pests can take is
usually overlooked: your HVAC system. By pest proofing the heating,
ventilation and air conditioning system components, you can make sure
the pests remain out of your house, preventing any damage to equipment,
and protecting everyone from health hazards.
Prevent any kind of pest infestations by taking steps that ensure your HVAC system and its many components are well protected.
Seal the ducts
Cracks,
gaps, and larger disconnections within the duct system can create
access points for pests to enter the unit and your home or office
building. Mice, insects, and larger vermin could enter the system,
depending on how big the air leaks are.
Not
only do pests inside your ducts cause destruction to the ductwork, they
can also lead to serious issues with indoor air quality. Dander and
excrement left behind can spread into the interiors as conditioned air
flows through the duct system, causing several health hazards to
residents.
Treating
the problem by using pest poison is not an ideal strategy for
infestation. While it can destroy the pest, they are likely die and
decay in the duct system. A decaying rodent within the ductwork can
cause bad odors, and locating the carcass can be a challenge.
The
best option is to lay a trap if you feel your ductwork has been
infested. Live traps can easily be set within the ducts to capture
larger pests such as, rats and mice, so that you can get rid of them
easily. Glue traps can be utilized for catching insects. It is important
to seal the ductwork professionally. Duct cleaning can help remove dead
pests and the debris that has been left behind to enhance the quality
of indoor air.
Installing vent or flue covers
It
is important to install vent covers on all exterior intakes, flues, and
exhaust vents. The covers will help block entry points, preventing any
form of infestation. These covers also have added benefits, such as
keeping rain water away from the vents. However, make sure the vent
covers are securely installed.
Protect the AC condenser
One
of the best ways of protecting a condenser is by preventing rodents
from getting near it. Make sure you keep the surrounding areas clean.
Use a mild soap and warm water to scrub the unit’s exterior and the
surrounding areas.
A
reliable HVAC professional can assist and advise you as you work
towards pest-proofing your system, and provide the required repairs, in
case pests have led to damage within the HVAC unit.
