Attic rodent removal estimate

[LeifDerekson]

We have roof rats in our attic! We had an inspection yesterday (local company that combines handyman and extermination services), and I'm just trying to get a sense of whether these costs seem reasonable:

• $1,700 for exclusion - this includes inspecting roughly 200 linear feet of roofline (under the gutters) and sealing possible entry points with galvanized flashing; sealing a hole in our cellar door; replacing screens on our exterior exhaust vents; sealing crawl vents with steel mesh; patching a hole in the roof near the entry of our utility lines; sealing a few openings in our carport closet (that lead to the roofline); setting traps in the attic and basement; checking traps for 4 weeks; and a 1-year warranty
• $1,500 to install 200 linear feet of gutter guards (includes a gutter cleaning) - we've been thinking about doing this anyway. We have a lot of tree cover, and I have to clean the gutters several times a year. From the info I got from the estimator, this isn't necessary, but it'll help ensure the roofline stays sealed. My research appears to indicate that this is in line with market cost in our area.
• $1,600 to vacuum droppings from the plywood and beams in the attic; disinfect and deodorize the attic with a fogger; add 1600 sq feet of r10 insulation on top of existing batted insulation; and seal the pull down attic stair cover (this is more for heating cost than rodent issues)

This is our first home, and we've only been here for a year. I'm also not particularly handy. I have no frame of reference for which of these items is necessary and whether the costs are reasonable. The guy who performed the estimate seemed professional and trustworthy, and the company has great reviews. I don't have any real reason beyond my own inexperience to think I could be getting fleeced. The bottom line is that this is more than I expected to spend, and I won't feel good about it unless I've done my DD.

Let me know what y'all think. TIA!

 

[Snoonyb]

Welcome.

After the attic access is sealed, how is it then accessed to fulfill the warranted obligation?

I'd just weather strip the opening.

Gutter guards may or may not fit your criteria. To me, they are a toss-up.

 

[LeifDerekson]

Thank you!

Sorry - they aren't going to seal the attic, they're just going to insulate the pull down door (it isn't insulated at all right now). It may be that they're just going to weather strip it. I could see how much it cuts down on the price to skip this step, but I'm guessing it's a small part of the cost. Anyway, we (and they) will still be able to access the attic.

Re: gutter guards - in the year we've owned the house, I've had to clean the gutters three times. And they're full again. It seems worth it to me; the only big question I have is whether the exterminator company will do a good job with the installation (and I don't really have any reason to think they wont/

 

[bud16415]

I would want all the old insulation pulled and all new added back in to whatever level you want.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Yes!
Remove all the old insulation.

And then you will likely find lots of hidden air leaks and penetrations that can be sealed up.

Plus the old insulation is full of rat droppings and urine.
Probably a few rat mummies also.