Mesh To Cover Air Vents? The 68 Latest Answer

Mice are attracted to houses for three simple reasons: The houses are warm, safe, and filled with food. When mice infest a home, they typically use the darkest passageways—like air ducts, crawl spaces, and wall voids—to roam around in search of food. Mice can climb walls and slip through holes the size of a small coin, so there’s really no stopping them if they go undetected.

The following article covers the steps to take if there is evidence of mice in your home, including how to deal with mice or rats in the crawl space, live or dead mice in walls, and how to remove rodents from air ducts. If you’re not sure if your problem is mice, check out our solution finder to help you identify and solve your rodent problem.

Detection of mice in your home

If bags of groceries left on the counter overnight have holes in them, your kitchen may have been visited by a family of mice. Maybe you’ve heard noises in the walls and under the floorboards when you fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night – it could very well be the sound of mice leaving tracks through your home. You may even have seen one crawling over a rafter or the bricks of your chimney. In this case it is obvious that you have a mouse problem. Even if you don’t spot them with your own eyes, you can still suspect a mouse invasion if you spot the following signs:

Runs. Mice typically use the same routes over and over again. Over time, they can leave tread marks on drywall, hardwood floors, tables, and countertops. It might not be visible to the naked eye, but if you look closely you can see faint footprints from punctured bread bags or chewed fruit buckets.

Mice typically use the same routes over and over again. Over time, they can leave tread marks on drywall, hardwood floors, tables, and countertops. It might not be visible to the naked eye, but if you look closely you can see faint footprints from punctured bread bags or chewed fruit buckets. feces. Mouse droppings look like small dark seeds; The newer ones are shiny and black while the older ones have dried and faded. If you see a buildup of feces, it’s likely that mice have entered your living quarters from a nearby hole, vent, or crevice.

Mouse droppings look like small dark seeds; The newer ones are shiny and black while the older ones have dried and faded. If you see a buildup of feces, it’s likely that mice have entered your living quarters from a nearby hole, vent, or crevice. nests. When mice are very active in a house, they often chew out bits of clothing fabric and cardboard to use for nests. Mice tend to build nests in dark areas of houses, such as B. in cupboards, cupboards, storage boxes and under furniture. If you smell something strange near an area that you rarely check, it may be from a mouse nest. You might find a nest under an old pile of clothes in your basement. Nests and droppings often lie side by side.

Mice in Crawl Spaces

When mice invade your crawl space, they’ve found an ideal home; a dark room to sleep all day from where you can access different holes and channels to your kitchen at night. If your home is close to wild mice, chances are your crawl space has been a target from day one. Of course, mice generally have an advantage when it comes to crawl spaces, since it’s a dark, cramped area that homeowners rarely check.

You might have assumed your crawl space would be foolproof, but all it takes is a small crack to allow rodents to enter your home. Finally, mice can squeeze through dime-sized holes, and rats can slip through quarter-sized openings. An infestation can slowly eat away at the foundation of a home. While the crawl space acts as a vapor barrier for your home, everything can be compromised when mice enter the home. The holes they leave could compromise your home’s water barrier, which in turn would allow rancid mold and fungi to form. However, the following do’s and don’ts can make your crawl space mouse-proof:

Don’t put edible items in your crawl space. Mice can sniff out food from hiding spots, and they’re willing to munch through wood to get any kibbles within reach.

Place an on/off light in your crawl space; either one that you can turn on recurringly every day, or one that turns on automatically every few hours. Mice avoid light, and the reason you never see them during the day is the same reason light can act as a mouse repellent.

Keep your crawl space dry. This includes not only water, but also food. Mice can gain water from food sources, so it’s important to make sure your crawlspace is moisture-free.

Seal holes around your home. If you notice holes that look like they could be mouse entrances, cover those holes with something that will block rodents but still allow air to pass, such as cotton wool. B. mesh or fabric. The air must be able to travel; Otherwise, moisture could build up in your home’s foundation, which could lead to far worse problems.

For maximum mouse protection, place an ultrasonic pest repeller in your crawl space that emits rodent-disturbing sounds — imperceptible to humans and non-rodent pets — at varying volumes and frequencies.

How to remove rodents from air ducts

Air ducts are among the likely areas where mice congregate and roost between their travels and meals. When mice die in the heating and cooling ducts, it can spread a foul odor throughout the house. If rats have entered your air ducts, the following steps may help you solve the problem.

Turn off your central heating and cooling system and allow the grates to reach room temperature. Unscrew and remove the grilles covering your heat vents. For each opening, bait a snap trap with the scents of captivating foods like raisins, dates, cheese, chocolate or peanut butter. Place a trap in each air duct. If you can spot traces of mouse prints or feces, place the trap directly along those lines. Reinstall the ventilation grilles and reactivate your heating system. Take a flashlight to the vents each morning and inspect each trap for mice. If mice were caught, unscrew the grid and remove the trap. Put on rubber gloves, put the mouse in a ziplock bag and throw it away. After sanitizing your hands, reinsert the scent trap into the air duct, reattach the ventilation grille, and check for more trapped mice each morning. Repeat the process until the mice have been eliminated.

To prevent this type of infestation from reoccurring, seal any small holes that could allow rodents entry into your home. Inspect air vents throughout the home for splinters between the ducts and the roof or walls. Cover these gaps with chicken wire to prevent rodents from slipping through. The same should be done for any other gaps that might serve as mouse entrances, such as splinters on the sides of doorknobs, window frames, and rafters.

How to get mice out of walls

If you hear noises that sound like tiny feet walking up and down inside certain walls in your house, position snap traps on the bottom edges of the walls in question. Place the traps with the baited ends facing the wall in areas along the base of the wall that could provide passage for mice, such as B. splinters and small holes. Mice tend to walk along the edges of walls when running from room to room, so a trail of peanut butter-laced traps should do the trick. Don’t use poison as the effects aren’t immediate and mice might have time to retreat into a wall before dying, which would ultimately leave a messy, smelly problem that might be more difficult to remove.

Kill mice in walls

To paraphrase Murphy’s law, there’s always one more mouse. It could happen that mice enter your house through the eaves and get caught in the cavities of the walls. How to get rid of mice in walls:

Drill a nickel-sized hole in your drywall just a few inches off the ground.

Make a matching hole in the side of a box, fill the box with a food-scented rat trap, cover the top of the box with clear cellophane, and attach the box to the wall.

Check the cellophane over the next few days to see if a critter has swallowed the bait. You can often catch your first mouse in under an hour.

If necessary, repeat the process until there are no more mice in your wall.

To prevent this type of infestation from reoccurring, seal any small holes that could allow rodents entry into your home. Inspect air vents throughout the home for splinters between the ducts and the roof or walls. Cover these gaps with chicken wire to prevent rodents from slipping through. The same should be done for any other gaps that might serve as mouse entrances, such as splinters on the sides of doorknobs, window frames, and rafters.

Once you’re confident you’ve solved the problem, patch the hole in the drywall with caulk and be sure to check the eaves of your home for any spots where mice might have slipped through. Once everything is sealed, prevent mice from returning by using an ultrasonic repellent like our Ultra PestChaser® and keep them away. For more information on how to make your home rodent proof, check out our full guide here.

Dead mice in walls

In some cases, clues to a rodent problem could come from your sense of smell. Even if you haven’t seen any living creatures in your house, the stench of dead mice may have accumulated inside your walls. A dead mouse shouldn’t be left to rot in your wall because its carcass could soon attract fleas. Using an electronic endoscope, you can locate the whereabouts of the corpse by drilling a coin-sized hole a few inches off the ground in the drywall of the cavity that appears to be emitting the odor. If the endoscopic search is unsuccessful, try another hole in the adjacent cavity. If you see a dead mouse, cut a larger 6″ x 9″ hole in the drywall to remove and discard the corpse, then seal the drywall.

Kill mice once and for all

If there are signs of mice in your home, it’s important to isolate the root of the problem, cordon off entrances, and prevent the matter from spreading further. Whether it’s mice in crawl spaces, air ducts, or even live or dead mice in walls, glue trays, snap traps, and ultrasonic pest repellers can help.

One of the best rodent control products on the market is the Victor® Kill Vault™ Mouse Trap, the no-touch, invisible, no-cleaning, easy-to-use unit that kills mice quickly and effectively. When mice invade your home, their last resort is the Kill Vault™.

Warm temperatures make you dependent on air conditioning. Before your air conditioner malfunctions, make sure it is checked and protected from pests like mice.

Air conditioning is a must for many homeowners during the warmer months of the year. A nice, cool house is always a welcome respite from the high temperatures and humidity outside, especially in parts of the country where the summer heat may not let up until October.

When your home’s air conditioner breaks down, you need to get it repaired quickly and professionally. American Home Shield® warranties cover timely repair or replacement of your air conditioner due to normal wear and tear, but sometimes the problem is more serious. If your air conditioner fails due to interference from mice, snakes, or other vermin, AHS warranty protection will not cover the damage.

What types of pests can damage an air conditioner?

A number of different creatures that crawl, slide, gnaw, or build mounds can cause problems with your air conditioner, both inside and outside the home.

Mice and rats like to crawl into small spaces and can harvest air duct material to build their nests. These rodents can also chew through refrigerant lines, electrical cords, and other air conditioning components, leading to expensive repairs and potential hazards.

Snakes can nest in pipes or sometimes curl up in the condenser. A snake that is in the air conditioner when it is turned on is likely to be killed by the movement of the fan blades, but this interaction can also damage the blades or other components.

Termites, ants, wasps, and other pests can also get into your air conditioner. Anthills can prevent parts of the device from working properly or short out electrical connections. A wasp nest in an air vent can also be dangerous, especially if someone in your family is allergic to wasp stings.

Can mice get through air vents?

Mice are small and flexible enough to get into many tight spaces, including air ducts. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a nickel and rats can squeeze through a hole as small as half a dollar.

Internal vents with louvered, angled, or grille openings smaller than a nickel are unlikely to leave enough room for a rodent to squeeze through.

Fresh air intakes and outdoor air intakes can be entry points if they are large enough, have cracks, or have holes in the protective grilles.

Loft and crawl space openings are also more accessible to mice and rats if not properly shielded or covered.

Rodents in air ducts and vents pose a health risk to humans. Some people can have an allergic reaction to dander, urine, or feces from mice and rats. Wild rodents can also carry a variety of pathogens that can cause disease. Therefore, it is important to carefully inspect your air conditioner for signs of its presence, or have it inspected by a professional pest control technician.

A dead mouse in the duct system could be the source of a foul odor that lingers or worsens when the air conditioning is on. Dead mice may even need to be removed before the situation improves.

What about snakes?

Snakes can also slide into external vents if the reptile in question can fit through the available opening, crack, or hole in the sieve. This isn’t the most common problem with air conditioners, but it’s best to keep snakes away from your air conditioner and system.

To discourage snake activity, make them feel less welcome in your yard.

Mow and weed regularly and avoid areas of tall grass.

Fill in any holes in the grass or dirt that might provide hiding spots for snakes.

Sprinkle powdered sulfur—a snake repellent—around the edges of the yard.

Pest proof air conditioners, ducts and vents

Pest control is an important part of air conditioning maintenance. Preventing outdoor animals and nesting insects from accessing and damaging the air conditioner — or interfering with the wires and plumbing connected to it — is a key to keeping the system in good working order.

Install the ventilation and chimney covers. Use mesh screens or special vent and flue covers to keep mice, wasps, and other pests out.

Seal air ducts. Make sure that pests cannot get into the air ducts through cracks, gaps or holes in the air ducts. Repair ducts promptly when a problem is discovered and replace the tape when it peels off due to constant or extreme temperature changes.

Protect the capacitor. Keep the area around your outdoor air conditioner clean and free of vegetation that might attract mice or snakes. Look for signs of feces, urine, or chewing, particularly along refrigerant lines and electrical cords. Watch out for the beginnings of anthills.

Look for signs of feces, urine, or chewing, particularly along refrigerant lines and electrical cords. Watch out for the beginnings of anthills. Cover the ventilation grille and protect the air ducts. Vertical louvers prevent birds and insects from nesting in or around air vents and ducts. Mesh or specialty screens also help keep all types of rodents out.

Grilles and protect air ducts. Vertical louvers prevent birds and insects from nesting in or around air vents and ducts. Mesh or specialty screens also help keep all types of rodents out. Reduce the humidity around the air conditioner. Clean up any puddles of rain or condensation that may form near the device. Stagnant or dripping water can attract mice, rats, snakes and other critters. This can also create favorable conditions for termite activity.

Use appropriate pest control measures to prevent infestation. It is recommended that you contact appropriately trained pest control professionals to ensure you are using proper pest control methods to prevent an infestation.

Prioritize your routines to protect against pests

An effective way to prevent pests is to start with a routine and stick to it.

Help prevent pests by sticking to a routine

Maintain your air conditioner regularly.

Have the system checked by a specialist once a year. Make sure the technician cleans the components and looks for signs of pest activity in the condenser, vents, and ductwork.

If a repair or renovation is needed, don’t put it off. Commit to keeping your air conditioner in tip-top shape so it cools efficiently and lasts longer.

If you find a dead mouse in your duct or an infestation of pests in your air conditioner, contact a professional pest control service. Contact our friends at Terminix® today to learn how they can help you get rid of rats, snakes and other pests in your home.

By paying attention to pest control now, you can avoid a multitude of uncovered repairs later. Whether your air conditioner needs repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear, American Home Shield® offers warranties you can count on. American Home Shield® Home Warranty Plans cover up to 21 major components of systems and appliances, including air conditioning, heating, plumbing, refrigerator, oven, stove and more.

Rodent-Proof Ducts: 6 Ways to Get Rid of Rats in Your Air Ducts

Cielo Cielo read 7 minutes

Pests like rodents love to sneak into your home, especially during extreme weather conditions when they seek shelter. Unfortunately, once inside, they take refuge in your channels and cause all sorts of problems.

Rodents can chew on anything they can find, including various AC components. They can chew up the air ducts and any insulating materials that cover them, affecting the function and performance of your HVAC system.

Besides, these pests are also harmful to your health. Rodents harbor harmful germs and can transmit diseases such as hantavirus. In addition, the ducts become dirty and cannot circulate fresh air, degrading the quality of your indoor air.

It can be really frustrating when small rodents take up residence in your sewer system. From getting rid of pests to designing rodent-proof channels, here’s how to tackle the problem.

5 signs you have rodents in the sewer system

Rodents can enter through crawl spaces and attics. They can also enter your home through gaps and cracks around plumbing lines, electrical wiring, chimneys, indoor fireplaces, and gas connections. Once indoors, they are mostly found in attics, closets, and basements.

If rodents are in your home, you’ll notice the following telltale signs:

1. Crawling and gnawing noises

Rats and mice run through your sewers and attic, making crawling noises. You will also hear rodents gnawing your ducts, especially at night, which can disturb your sleep.

2. Smell of rot

A key sign that rodents are hanging around in your ducts is the foul smell. Dead pests that rodents use for food and rat droppings can spread this odor. When air ducts circulate the conditioned air, that odor then moves throughout your home.

3. Insect infestation

If you notice a sudden infestation of insects, especially bugs and moths, near your air vents, this indicates the presence of rodents.

4. Increase in allergy symptoms

The presence of mice in heat pumps can introduce a variety of germs that can spread throughout your home and degrade indoor air quality. As a result, you may feel an increase in allergy symptoms and other respiratory problems.

5. Lane Markers

Rodents leave footprints and bite marks in your ducts and vents as they move. Such tracks signal that they live in your house.

How to make your pipelines rodent-proof

Once it’s confirmed that mice are in your AC ducts, you should take immediate action. After that, you should also take steps to make your ducts rodent-proof to avoid this problem in the future.

things you need

mouse trap

Bait (bacon, cheese, peanut butter)

flashlight

rubber gloves

Plastic disposable bags

Antibacterial soap

Fine wire mesh

flashlight

Vertical slats

Ventilation and chimney covers

1. Get rid of rodents

Getting rid of rats can be difficult, but with effectively placed mouse traps, they can help repel these little invaders.

The first step is to turn off your HVAC system and let it cool completely. Take off the vent covers and load mouse traps with cheese or peanut butter to attract rodents. Then set the traps in the duct of each vent. Check the traps frequently in the morning and evening. When you find the dead animals, dispose of them in plastic bags. Make sure you wear gloves throughout the process. Now take off your gloves and wash your hands with antimicrobial soap. Continue this process until you are sure all rodents have been caught.

Important: You should not use any pesticides or pesticides as rats can die in the sewers and locating them would be a challenge. In addition, the pesticide can circulate through ducts in your home and cause allergy problems.

2. Seal all entry points

To avoid this annoyance and minimize power consumption, you should start by figuring out all entry points and patching them.

Rats can enter through intake vents and outside air vents if there are holes and tears in the screen. In addition, attics and crawl spaces are quite easily accessible to rodents if not properly insulated.

Check your roof and vents for gaps between the duct and the wall. Attach wire screens over these gaps to keep mice out of air ducts. Patch holes and cracks around door and window frames, pipes, walls, chimneys and rafters.

If you find other holes for rodents to enter, seal those with chicken wire as well. It’s also important to insulate your attic; Here’s our complete guide to attic insulation.

3. Clean the channels

Because rodents lived in the ducts, it is necessary that you clean your ducts to remove any debris. You should hire a professional to do a thorough cleaning. Going the DIY route is not a good option. If you try to suck it yourself, you’ll make the situation worse. Vacuuming only bypasses mouse dander, mold, bacteria and other contaminants rather than eliminating them. And every time you turn on the device, you would inhale all those particles. Sounds scary right?

It is therefore best to have this work done by a professional. They use tools and devices designed to remove debris from air ducts. They also apply biocides to kill germs.

4. Repair and seal the duct system

Rodents can eat air ducts and cables and damage the insulation material. Sealing your ducts is an effective way to prevent rats, birds and other insects from entering and damaging your device. At the same time, your heating and cooling system will run more efficiently as it also eliminates airflow issues.

Contact a professional or check the plumbing yourself. Severe damage may require replacing the entire plumbing.

If you are caulking the ducts yourself, use a flashlight and look for any visible cracks and holes. If the gaps are not visible, place your hand over the duct system to feel if air is escaping.

After finding air leaks, seal longitudinal seams with foil tape. Remember that this is a temporary solution that will wear off over time. A better option is to use a sewer sealant. It is applied to the holes and gaps with a brush or spatula and hardens after drying. To completely seal your duct system, insulation is a must. Take fiberglass insulation sheeting, wrap it around the duct and seal with foil tape.

Also ensure that all vent and register connections are properly sealed where they meet the floors, walls and ceiling.

5. Cover the ventilation slots

Cover and protect vents to protect your ducts from rodents. Install the vent and fume hood covers to block the point of entry. Make sure the vent covers are securely installed as small rodents can get in by pulling on the cover.

Also, try covering air vents with vertical slats, as they help prevent animals from nesting around vents and ducts. Mesh or specialty screens also help keep rodents out.

6. Focus on HVAC maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance can help you prevent rodent infestations in the future.

Keep the area around your outdoor HVAC unit clean. Trim any vegetation to prevent rats and other animals from making themselves comfortable and nesting around your air conditioner. Also cut off the long branches as rodents can get into your attic by moving along the branches. Reduce the humidity around the AC outdoor unit. Do not allow rainwater to form puddles near the system. Stagnant or dripping water can attract rodents and other critters.

It’s a good idea to have your air conditioner checked by a professional once a year. They will look for pest activity in air vents and duct systems and remove them in a timely manner.

For a detailed guide to AC tuning, read this article.

Keeping critters and rodents away from your HVAC unit can be a challenge. However, with the help of this handy guide, you can easily protect your ducts against rodents and enjoy a perfect home environment by keeping your HVAC systems in good working order.

Most attic vents come with a screen already attached, but sometimes the screen comes loose and you need to fix it. In other cases, you may need to install a trellis that has smaller holes than the original trellis to keep small insects out of your attic. Mesh for attic vents is available at hardware and home improvement stores. Before you start the project, determine if you can fix the screen by removing the vent from the outside, or if you’ll have to crawl into the attic to attach the screen.

As a homeowner, you have a multitude of expenses. Between utilities, property taxes, and the cost of your kids’ extracurricular activities, we’d be surprised if you didn’t follow advice that could save you a few bucks here and there. The thing is, not all advice is good advice.

Our experienced technicians are there for you. Start planning online today

Do closed vents redirect air and increase airflow to other rooms? The notion that closing air vents in unused spaces can reduce your energy bills is simply not true. Advice from an HVAC expert? Stop covering your vents.

Should I cover my air vents?

In short, no. While some people might think that covering their vents will prevent treated air from being wasted in unoccupied spaces and will redirect airflow to other spaces. In reality, covering your air vents can have the opposite effect. Here’s why:

Closing vents disrupts airflow

When you cover your vents, only you are aware of it. Your heating and cooling system cannot detect when the vent is covered, so air is still being pumped to that vent. Now, when cold air is being pumped into a room but the return air vent cannot pull the warm air out of the same room, the airflow in your system becomes imbalanced. So does closing air vents help cool other rooms? Not really, no.

Pressure can build up

When air isn’t able to flow properly through rooms, pressure can build up in your ducts and HVAC unit. This can ultimately lead to low airflow and cause your heat exchanger to crack, allowing carbon monoxide to enter your home. As you can imagine, you definitely don’t want to do this as not only will you need to fix your air conditioner, but your indoor air quality could be seriously affected and even become toxic.

Closing air vents can actually be a waste of energy

This pressure buildup can do more than just crack your heat exchanger. It can also cause your air ducts to crack and develop leaks. When your ducts leak, treated air escapes and causes your HVAC system to work harder to heat or cool a space, ultimately wasting energy and increasing your utility bills.

Conclusion

Contrary to what we might think, closing vents in unused rooms doesn’t really help increase airflow into other rooms and help them cool down faster. Chances are it will end up costing you more money as it could damage your HVAC system and potentially cause unwanted leaks.

Lower your electricity bills with HARP

HARP Home Services LLC experts have the expertise and experience needed to keep your ducts clean and your HVAC system running well. Our HVAC technicians are factory trained, licensed and fully certified so you can be assured of exemplary work from trusted professionals.

For more information or to schedule a service appointment, call us at 860-341-1499.

Customers in Ocala, Florida often ask how they can offset the increased energy consumption that hits their utility bills during the hot summer months. Preventive maintenance keeps your HVAC system in top operating condition for maximum efficiency. Also, you should not block air vents in your homes. Covering HVAC vents does not save energy or reduce energy costs. In fact, it can lead to the opposite.

Proper airflow is important

If you block an intake port, air will still be pushing against it. This constant air pressure to a blocked vent can create a pressure surge and, combined with insufficient airflow, can damage your HVAC system’s heat exchanger.

This damage can also lead to carbon monoxide exhalation and plumbing leaks. This problem will cost the homeowner more in energy consumption over time.

Avoid accumulation of moisture

Central Florida residents know that when moisture builds up indoors, it invites dangerous biological growth to develop. Blocking your vents allows moisture to build up around them and the air ducts. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by carpet, furniture, or other household items.

Energy efficiency is the goal

One way to direct the airflow in your home without putting a strain on your HVAC system is to only partially close the vents in rooms that aren’t being used. By partially closing less than 50 percent of the vents in your home, you can avoid disrupting the pressure in the ducts. They will keep even the most inhabited areas of your home comfortable.

Sun Kool Air Conditioning is committed to helping our customers save money while maintaining healthy HVAC systems. Contact us at 877-962-2120 to schedule preventative HVAC maintenance or to learn more about keeping cooling costs under control. We’re here to help you save all summer long.

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By AirCon Service Company | November 14, 2018

Contact our Houston engineers

We see this happening all the time. Homeowners call us because their home is heating or cooling properly and they think there is a major problem with their HVAC system. In the end, we find that their vents are either closed or blocked. Sometimes people accidentally block their air vents when rearranging furniture. In other cases, people intentionally close their vents to change the temperature in their home. This will never work – blocking your air vents will only increase the likelihood that an HVAC repair will be needed.

Reasons why you shouldn’t cover your air vents

1. It messes up the airflow of your system

Air must flow freely through your HVAC unit to function properly. Closing your vents forces the excess air to flow in a direction that will end up damaging your device.

2. It wastes your money

When you restrict or block the air from one room in your home, your system now has to work twice as hard to regulate the temperature in the other rooms. This leads to higher electricity bills because your system is working twice.

3. You could damage your heat exchanger

Air pressure will inevitably build up if you block airflow from your vents. This will cause problems with your heat exchanger – it will crack and could potentially emit carbon monoxide emissions.

4. It could cause problems with your air duct system

As an increased amount of air flows through your ductwork to get into a given space, your ductwork wears out faster. And if your house has old sewer material, your chances are even higher!

Before investing in a new indoor air quality system, talk to our experts to ensure you make the right purchase! Our engineers are waiting on the other end of the line to help you choose the right solution that best suits your unique needs. Call us today at 281.823.8771 or contact us online. We are happy to hear from them!

It’s safe to say that cockroaches are one of the most hated insects on the planet. Although they are not poisonous and in most cases do not pose a danger, many people have a genuine fear of cockroaches. The official name for cockroach phobia is katsaridaphobia.

When someone discovers a cockroach in their home, a few questions immediately spring to mind. One question is how did this disgusting thing get in here?

We know that roaches can squeeze through cracks and crevices that appear paper-thin, and they always crawl over pipes in their search for water. However, there may be another way in your home that is much more accessible. There is a possibility of cockroaches getting inside through the vents.

Read on to find out if your air vents are giving roaches direct access to your home and how these spiny-legged pests make their way inside.

Vents – The perfect lane for cockroaches

If you think about it, air vents are perfect for roaches, especially if the heater is keeping them warm and toasty. Cockroaches are always looking for a way in, and this is an easy entry point since vents on the outside of the house connect to the air ducts inside. Once indoors, air ducts allow roaches to work their way throughout the home unnoticed. Cockroaches can also get into the air conditioner through the drain pipe.

Another reason chimneys attract roaches is their dark, cavernous environment. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that like to stay in the shade. Air vents give cockroaches a completely light-free path around the house.

The other thing that makes air vents perfect for roaches is the heat and humidity. Cockroaches prefer warm and humid places, which is why they are so numerous in the south. In the fall and winter, when it’s hot, the air vents are one of the most comfortable places in the house for cockroaches.

Airflow is no game for cockroach legs

If you thought blowing air through your vents would deter roaches from crawling through, think again. Cockroaches are created to move through many strange, inhospitable spaces thanks to their amazing legs.

Cockroaches are well-known climbers. They have six legs and each has two claws that will grab onto just about any surface. There are also tiny hairs on the legs that increase a cockroach’s grasping ability. Her “knee” is particularly incredible. They can pick up the tiniest vibration, which acts as an early warning sensor, letting roaches know the air is hitting. It’s head high enough for the cockroach to brace against the force.

Long story short – even with a constant flow of air, roaches can get through the ducts and out of the vents.

Why roaches in air vents are such a big problem

Cockroaches in the air vents are a big problem. It’s the last thing you want when you have allergies. Their shedding, saliva, and feces can aggravate allergies and asthma. When the air starts to heat up, the allergens can spread throughout the house.

Even if you don’t have allergies, roaches reduce air quality. You may notice their foul smell wafting through your home. No matter how you try to freshen the air, roach poo just keeps coming.

The biggest problem is that getting rid of roaches that got into the air vents can be difficult. Air ducts are part of the inner workings of a home, making it difficult to locate an infestation. Few pest control companies will actually get into the respiratory tract, and it’s almost impossible for homeowners to do it alone. Often you need a very thorough pest control to eradicate roaches that have made their way into the ventilation.

This is how you will know if your vents are letting roaches in

Do your vents invite roaches inside? Some vents are safer than others. If you have any of the following problems, you are more likely to have roaches in your air vents.

Their vents have no screens. This will prevent cockroaches from being able to squeeze through. It’s also a good idea to seal the vents.

The ventilation slots are cracked or damaged. Broken vents don’t just let roaches in. Larger pests such as rodents can also wriggle in if the bend is damaged. Air vents and air ducts should be checked regularly for signs of damage and pest infestation.

There is vegetation around the vents. The vegetation offers a hiding place for all kinds of pests. When it comes to venting, vines, shrubs, and branches also make it easier for roaches to get in.

Have you noticed more roaches crawling around your air vents? Then call Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. We offer custom treatments targeting a range of household pests including cockroaches. Let us know how we can help you get your home ready for fall.

Original source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/can-roaches-come-air-vents/

Highly efficient gas stoves have plastic vent tubes that extend outside to get rid of exhaust gases and bring in fresh air for combustion. These PVC or CPVC pipes can invite rodents and birds (especially in winter) and insects (mostly in summer) in search of a home. If the vent pipes are not protected by screens, you are at great risk of oven problems due to pipe clogs or pest infestations. A simple screen can prevent pest problems, but the wrong type of screen can cause other problems.

The debate about ventilation grilles

The practice of attaching screens to furnace vent tubes has been criticized. Some argue that a screen restricts airflow and causes oven problems, such as overheating. B. the impairment of the operation of the pressure switch. Another argument is that the vent screen cannot withstand the corrosive influence of the flue gas outlet. Others point out that screens designed to restrict rodents are insufficient to keep insects out and are ultimately ineffective.

However, most problems arise because homeowners use whatever screening material they can find, and sometimes those choices don’t meet the needs. Even commercial display products sometimes don’t work as they should. However, using the right type of screen with the right specifications will prevent most problems. It can also be helpful to use different types of screens for the summer and winter months and swap them out as the seasons change.

In addition to using the correct screening product, ensure your furnace vent tube has been installed with a minimum rise from the furnace; 1/4 inch per foot is recommended. Also make sure the exhaust pipe is supported at least every 5 feet along its horizontal run.

Air Vent Designs

The best air vent design is one that targets the pest you want to keep out. For birds and rodents it is best to use a larger checkerboard screen installed at a 45 degree angle creating a diamond pattern. This makes it more difficult for birds to grab the screen and open it.

Checkerboard screens can have an airflow rate of up to 90 percent (airflow rate is a measure of how much air flows through the screen compared to a fully open tube). Thin stainless steel wire mesh screens typically have a much higher air flow rate than many molded PVC screens, which can have flow rates as low as about 70 percent. In general, these large opening mesh screens are best used during the fall, winter and spring months when insect protection is not a major concern. The best choice is a stainless steel wire mesh with an air flow rate of about 90 percent.

The situation changes in the summer months when insects are the main problem. To protect against insects, you need a much finer mesh opening, similar to the insect screen you find on a screen door or storm window. For this level of protection, look for a stainless steel screen that offers about 70 percent airflow. Stainless steel is largely unaffected by the corrosive influence of furnace exhaust gases. Although these summer grilles impede airflow more, this isn’t a big problem in the summer when the stove doesn’t fire as often.

Switch back to the larger grid screen for the winter months. Flying bugs are not a problem during this time and the stove needs better vent circulation as it runs most of the time. Additionally, leaving the finer screen in place allows snow and ice to accumulate, which can severely restrict airflow. In this case, the oven may turn itself off to prevent further damage.

Installation of ventilation grilles

Breather screens are available in a variety of sizes, including the common 2″ and 3″ diameters for PVC hubs and couplings. The screens can be installed with a dab of silicone caulk on the back of the screen frame or with special spring clips to hold them in place around the end of the vent tube. Clips are easily removed and are recommended if you plan to routinely change screens for the summer months.

Avoid improper ventilation covers

A common mistake when adding shielding to PVC oven vents is to use prefabricated PVC accessories such as B. PVC end vents, which can obstruct up to 60 percent of airflow. While these are fine for their intended purpose of blocking the end of a plumbing system vent pipe, they are unacceptable for shielding the ends of furnace vents. Using them in this way can lead to a variety of oven problems, including poor efficiency, pressure switch trips, and potentially unsafe operating conditions. PVC floor drain covers are another improper accessory; these are also unsuitable for covering an oven vent as they greatly reduce airflow.

To be safe, make sure any screens you purchase are specifically designed for oven outlet/inlet ports and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the screens on your vents to ensure there are no obstructions or damage to the screens.

Why you shouldn’t cover your air vents

True or false, covering your vents is a great way to redirect air to other rooms in your home. NOT CORRECT! This is the common notion people have when trying to save energy with their HVAC system, but there are a number of reasons why you really shouldn’t be covering your vents.

Why you shouldn’t cover your air vents

You could mess with the airflow.

Just because you cover the vent doesn’t mean your HVAC system knows it. Air will continue to be pushed to these vents, and if they are closed you could be causing air pressure build-up and insufficient airflow that could damage your system.

You could damage the heat exchanger.

When there is a pressure build-up from air being forced to covered vents, the low airflow can cause problems with your heat exchanger, which can lead to cracking and carbon monoxide emissions.

You could develop mold and mildew.

If you live in a humid area, a clogged air vent can cause mold to develop in and around your ventilation and air ducts.

You could waste energy.

You probably thought that covering your vents would save you energy, but it does the opposite. Since this could damage your HVAC system, cracks and other damage could cause air to escape from your ducts and cost you more on energy bills.

Pro tip: Air ducts are not always intentionally covered. Check for curtains, carpets, or furniture that are blocking air ducts in your home and move them to allow air to flow freely.

For more pro tips and advice, call us at (412) 265-2662.

At Wahl Family Heating, Cooling or Plumbing, we love to give our customers tips and tricks to keep their home comfortable. If your HVAC system could use some attention, give us a call at (412) 265-2662.

It’s safe to say that cockroaches are one of the most hated insects on the planet. Although they are not poisonous and in most cases do not pose a danger, many people have a genuine fear of cockroaches. The official name for cockroach phobia is katsaridaphobia.

When someone discovers a cockroach in their home, a few questions immediately spring to mind. One question is how did this disgusting thing get in here?

We know that roaches can squeeze through cracks and crevices that appear paper-thin, and they always crawl over pipes in their search for water. However, there may be another way in your home that is much more accessible. There is a possibility of cockroaches getting inside through the vents.

Read on to find out if your air vents are giving roaches direct access to your home and how these spiny-legged pests make their way inside.

Vents – The perfect lane for cockroaches

If you think about it, air vents are perfect for roaches, especially if the heater is keeping them warm and toasty. Cockroaches are always looking for a way in, and this is an easy entry point since vents on the outside of the house connect to the air ducts inside. Once indoors, air ducts allow roaches to work their way throughout the home unnoticed. Cockroaches can also get into the air conditioner through the drain pipe.

Another reason chimneys attract roaches is their dark, cavernous environment. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that like to stay in the shade. Air vents give cockroaches a completely light-free path around the house.

The other thing that makes air vents perfect for roaches is the heat and humidity. Cockroaches prefer warm and humid places, which is why they are so numerous in the south. In the fall and winter, when it’s hot, the air vents are one of the most comfortable places in the house for cockroaches.

Airflow is no game for cockroach legs

If you thought blowing air through your vents would deter roaches from crawling through, think again. Cockroaches are created to move through many strange, inhospitable spaces thanks to their amazing legs.

Cockroaches are well-known climbers. They have six legs and each has two claws that will grab onto just about any surface. There are also tiny hairs on the legs that increase a cockroach’s grasping ability. Her “knee” is particularly incredible. They can pick up the tiniest vibration, which acts as an early warning sensor, letting roaches know the air is hitting. It’s head high enough for the cockroach to brace against the force.

Long story short – even with a constant flow of air, roaches can get through the ducts and out of the vents.

Why roaches in air vents are such a big problem

Cockroaches in the air vents are a big problem. It’s the last thing you want when you have allergies. Their shedding, saliva, and feces can aggravate allergies and asthma. When the air starts to heat up, the allergens can spread throughout the house.

Even if you don’t have allergies, roaches reduce air quality. You may notice their foul smell wafting through your home. No matter how you try to freshen the air, roach poo just keeps coming.

The biggest problem is that getting rid of roaches that got into the air vents can be difficult. Air ducts are part of the inner workings of a home, making it difficult to locate an infestation. Few pest control companies will actually get into the respiratory tract, and it’s almost impossible for homeowners to do it alone. Often you need a very thorough pest control to eradicate roaches that have made their way into the ventilation.

This is how you will know if your vents are letting roaches in

Do your vents invite roaches inside? Some vents are safer than others. If you have any of the following problems, you are more likely to have roaches in your air vents.

Their vents have no screens. This will prevent cockroaches from being able to squeeze through. It’s also a good idea to seal the vents.

The ventilation slots are cracked or damaged. Broken vents don’t just let roaches in. Larger pests such as rodents can also wriggle in if the bend is damaged. Air vents and air ducts should be checked regularly for signs of damage and pest infestation.

There is vegetation around the vents. The vegetation offers a hiding place for all kinds of pests. When it comes to venting, vines, shrubs, and branches also make it easier for roaches to get in.

Have you noticed more roaches crawling around your air vents? Then call Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. We offer custom treatments targeting a range of household pests including cockroaches. Let us know how we can help you get your home ready for fall.

Original source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/can-roaches-come-air-vents/