Blog Post

Creepy-Crawlies That Can Hide in Your HVAC System

Admin • November 27, 2018
Contractor Repairing Air Conditioner

Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your air vents? Heard a scrabbling sound in the ducts? You may have a pest problem. Unfortunately, pests in the HVAC system can be quite hard to reach and often require professional eradication. But don't ignore the problem, since many common pests can pose health risks to you and your family.

Here are some common creepy-crawlies that can make their homes in your HVAC system. After you've eradicated any pests you have in your system, make sure to call an HVAC professional to get the system cleaned and functioning well again.

Mice and Rats

Mice and rats may nest in your outdoor AC unit, causing considerable damage even in a short time. They love to chew, so wires, coolant lines, and other components can fall victim to their nesting efforts.

They can also get into your ductwork. Once there, they'll be able to access basically any part of your house. Since mice and rats can carry diseases as well as pests such as fleas and ticks, you'll need to deal with the problem to protect your health.

Squirrels

Squirrels are great climbers, so they often access the roof and infest the attic from there. But they can also make their way into the AC system through vents and invade the ducts, causing noise and bad smells.

But in addition to these inconveniences, squirrel infestation can bring health hazards as well. Squirrels can carry diseases, which can be transferred to humans and pets through bites or scratches, contact with fecal matter, or transmission of pests such as ticks. So think of squirrels as merely a nuisance; have them removed and get your ductwork cleaned out.

Bats

Although bats tend to be quieter than squirrels (at least during the day), they can still cause a lot of problems. Whether they're roosting in your ductwork itself or just using it to access your attic or the insides of your walls, bats can leave stinky, wet guano deposits behind.

Bat guano can not only cause water damage and staining, but also create health hazards for humans and pets. Even if you never come into contact with the bats themselves, you can contract Histoplasmosis from the guano. Histoplasmosis can be contracted just by breathing in spores, so having the bats in your air circulation is a major health risk.

If you find or suspect bats, you'll want a professional wildlife specialist to remove them and remediate the guano, then have your entire duct system cleaned professionally.

Snakes

With several different kinds of venomous snakes in Mississippi, you're probably used to watching where you walk. But did you know that snakes sometimes access ductwork or try to take up residence in outdoor AC units?

If you see or suspect a snake in your HVAC, the safest course of action is to a professional handle it. Don't risk a snakebite.

Insects

Many types of insects infest human homes, and some of them are quite happy to live in ductwork and use the ducts as roads to access your entire home. Cockroaches and ants may live in ducts and forage for food in your house, and paper wasps may build nests in your ducts and then end up inside your living area by mistake.

Many people are used to simply spraying pesticide when they find bugs. You can't safely do that when the bugs are in your AC, since that would blow the chemical all through your house. In this scenario, you'll want to have your ducts cleaned out professionally and then hire an exterminator to help you stamp out any remaining bugs.

Once you've had any pests removed and the ductwork cleaned out, take steps to prevent a reoccurrence. You can do this by using repellent products and, most importantly, blocking off access to your ducts with a strong, fine wire mesh over any vents and other openings.

Remember, some types of pests can cause damage to your ducts. In this case you may need air duct inspections and repairs in addition to cleaning. But no matter which you need, C. J. Services, Inc., is here for you. Get in touch today to discuss ductwork problems and solutions.

A person is cleaning the filter of an air conditioner.
November 11, 2024
Discover the most common HVAC problems and how to prevent them to ensure your system runs efficiently. From dirty filters and clogged drains to faulty thermostats and refrigerant leaks, this guide offers practical tips for maintaining your HVAC system and avoiding costly repairs. Learn how regular maintenance can prolong your system's lifespan and improve performance.
Picture Of Man Fixing Air Conditioner — Gulf Coast, MS — C. J. Services, Inc.
By Admin September 9, 2024
Prepare your HVAC system for winter with these essential tips, including filter changes, thermostat checks, duct cleaning, and professional tune-ups. Keep your home warm and energy-efficient all season long with proper HVAC maintenance.
By Admin August 28, 2024
Read our blog to learn about the importance of regular heating system inspections for your home and what to expect during the process.
Man Working on an Air Conditioner — Mississippi — CJ Services Inc.
July 24, 2024
Discover essential HVAC maintenance tips to help extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Learn effective practices for regular upkeep, ensuring efficient operation, and maximizing the longevity of your HVAC system.
July 3, 2024
Window AC units are lifelines during the summertime. Read our blog for usage tips to help you make the most of your AC window unit.
June 26, 2024
Maintaining clean air ducts in your home is essential for ensuring good indoor air quality. Over time, these ducts can accumulate dust, dirt, mold, and other contaminants that could circulate through your home and affect the air you inhale. Here are six instances when you should consider hiring a professional service to clean your home air ducts. Recent Renovations or Remodeling If your home has recently undergone renovations or remodeling, it's likely that dust and debris have infiltrated your air ducts. Construction activities often generate significant amounts of dust that can settle in ductwork, reducing air quality and potentially damaging your HVAC system. A professional cleaning service will ensure that your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned, preventing any renovation residue from contaminating your indoor air. Noticeable Mold Growth Mold thrives in damp environments, and air ducts can easily become a breeding ground for these harmful spores if moisture is present. If you detect a musty smell or visibly see mold growth around your vents or ductwork, it's crucial to hire a professional to address the issue. Mold in air ducts can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, so timely removal is essential. Increased Allergies or Respiratory Issues If you or someone in your household has experienced an increase in allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, dirty air ducts might be the culprit. Contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites can accumulate and circulate through your home, leading to health issues. A thorough cleaning by professionals can help alleviate these symptoms by removing allergens from your ductwork. Excessive Dust in Your Home Do you often find yourself repeatedly wiping down surfaces, only to find a significant amount of dust gathering in various corners of your home? This could be a sign that your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris. Over time, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants can build up in your air ducts, circulating back into your living spaces. Professional duct cleaning will not only help improve air quality but also reduce the need for frequent dusting and cleaning around your home. By removing these pollutants, you'll create a healthier environment for you and your family, potentially alleviating allergies and respiratory issues. Rodent or Insect Infestations Air ducts can sometimes become a haven for rodents or insects seeking warmth and shelter. The existence of pests in the ductwork can lead to droppings, nests, and other debris that pose risks to both your health and the efficiency of your HVAC system. These unwelcome intrusions can result in allergens and bacteria spreading, which can compromise the quality of indoor air. Moreover, the buildup of debris may block airflow, causing your HVAC system to operate less efficiently and require more energy, which could lead to increased costs and possible system breakdowns. If you suspect or have confirmed an infestation, it is imperative to call in a professional cleaning service to thoroughly clean and sanitize your ducts. After a Major Illness in the Household If someone in your home has recently suffered from a major illness, cleaning your air ducts can be a proactive step to safeguard the health of the entire household. Airborne bacteria and viruses can linger in ducts and be recirculated, potentially spreading illness. A professional cleaning can help ensure that any lingering pathogens are removed, contributing to a healthier living environment. Hiring a professional service to clean your home air ducts at these critical times can significantly improve your home's air quality, enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, and promote a healthier living space for you and your family. Regular inspection and maintenance are key to ensuring your ducts remain clean and free from contaminants. If you need your air ducts cleaned out, contact our team at C J Services Inc for more information.
By Admin June 19, 2024
Keeping your commercial building comfortable requires the right AC system. Read our blog to see why ducted AC might be the best choice for you.
January 10, 2024
When buying a new house, one crucial aspect to not overlook is the air duct system. Explore the process and benefits of a professional air duct inspection.
November 20, 2023
If you're cleaning up after a house fire, don't forget about your air ducts. Discover six compelling reasons why this is important.
August 30, 2023
Explore the impact of animal infestations in air ducts and uncover three significant hazards that could lurk behind those innocuous vents.
Show More
Share by: