I live in a country house and the basement is insulated from the ground floor with pink insulation. Over the years, there have been several mouse infestations in the basement, between the suspended ceiling and the mineral wool. They dug holes in the wool and left a lot of feces. I would like to know if their traces are toxic for humans, and would you recommend changing the insulation?
Yes, the presence of mice and their droppings is definitely a health risk for humans. Mice sometimes carry dangerous viruses (hantavirus) and humans can contract it by breathing in particles contaminated with excrement, urine and saliva from infected animals. To learn about the dangers associated with hantavirus, visit Health Canada’s web page.
And yes, we would strongly recommend removing the contaminated insulation, but that is a job best done by professionals to avoid adding contaminated dust to the air and surfaces of your home. After removing the insulation and before reinstalling new insulation, be sure to do a thorough cleaning.
When all the contaminated insulation is removed is the time to find where they are getting in and take measures to seal those openings to prevent it from happening in the future.
Before you begin re-insulating, note that pink fiberglass insulation is not the ideal insulation for crawlspaces or basements, as it is susceptible to moisture damage. EPS rigid foam boards or Rockwool would be a better alternative. Both are more suitable for potentially humid environments, and Rockwool in particular is made with recycled stone dust, that would be our preference.
Rigid foam insulation boards are different. Choose carefully between Polyisocyanurate, EPS & XPS or Mineral Wool & Hemp as the wrong choice can reduce insulati…
Solutions for preventing and eliminating some common pests and insects safely & humanely (if possible).… Insects & Rodents, how to show them the door...
Below …
Despite the good intentions, Earthships in cold climates can't work because they contradict the laws of physics.… I'm not the Mike Reynolds who invented the Ea…
We spend an average of 90% of our time indoors, where air is usually 3 to 4 times more polluted than outside air. Building practices and building materials can…
Dust and chemicals in building materials can trigger permanent respiratory issues such as asthma; here are some ways to safeguard your air and health while wor…
Crawlspaces are very rare as part of a new home construction nowadays in USA & Canada. If you've got one here's how to fix it.… Crawlspace insulation - be care…
How to build decks with greater durability - permits, deck materials, railings, foundations & construction techniques for longer lasting decks including natura…
Yes, the presence of mice and their droppings is definitely a health risk for humans. Mice sometimes carry dangerous viruses (hantavirus) and humans can contract it by breathing in particles contaminated with excrement, urine and saliva from infected animals. To learn about the dangers associated with hantavirus, visit Health Canada’s web page.
And yes, we would strongly recommend removing the contaminated insulation, but that is a job best done by professionals to avoid adding contaminated dust to the air and surfaces of your home. After removing the insulation and before reinstalling new insulation, be sure to do a thorough cleaning.
When all the contaminated insulation is removed is the time to find where they are getting in and take measures to seal those openings to prevent it from happening in the future.
Before you begin re-insulating, note that pink fiberglass insulation is not the ideal insulation for crawlspaces or basements, as it is susceptible to moisture damage. EPS rigid foam boards or Rockwool would be a better alternative. Both are more suitable for potentially humid environments, and Rockwool in particular is made with recycled stone dust, that would be our preference.