Raccoon Cleanup Walkthrough

Bob Papp, a technician with the SERVPRO Evergreen Park / South Chicago City office, explains the process to clean up and restore a home after a raccoon infestation.

He begins with the explanation that the sheer amount of raccoon urine and feces has compromised all of the attic insulation, and the safest way to mitigate the contamination is to remove it. Since direct contact with the contaminated insulation is a health risk, Bob’s team goes into the attic wearing full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). A complete set includes full body suits, rubber boots, full-face respirators, and rubber gloves.

Bob describes how the team sets up in the attic with a special vacuum that removes the insulation and draws it directly into a disposal bag in their truck. Vacuuming is, according to Bob, the best way to remove insulation since it prevents particles from being tracked through the home or accidentally released into the air.

Before they bring in the vacuum, Bob and his team establish a containment corridor through the house using plastic sheeting to block door and entryways. It seals off the house from accidental contamination as the SERVPRO team moves from the attic, through the home and outside. The corridor also prevents contaminating the home in case there is an accident with the vacuum tubing.

One team member begins by using a small rake to break up the larger, clumped pieces of insulation. As they work, another technician follows with the vacuum and draws it out to the waiting disposal bag. Once they remove the last of the insulation, Bob’s team removes the containment sheeting and replaces the insulation. The process takes two or three days, but the result is a safe, clean house for the homeowner.

For more information on removing insulation and treating the effects of animal contamination, visit SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City at http://www.SERVPROevergreenparksouthchicagocity.com/ or call (773) 337-3900.