Help needed to locate dead animals in log walls and identify new crawlspace insulation
In the past month mice have taken over our rural ranch loghouse and infested the insulation (9″ loose batts) in the floor joists. I have removed most of the contaminated insulation. Rodent entries have been sealed with chink material, foam and caulking but I need help deodorizing the crawlspace and identifying a new insulation material that doesn’t serve as a perfect nesting material for the critters. Over time the loose batts sag at the top and act as a rowhouse (the length of the joist cavity) for the mice. I’ve considered foam but sooner or later I’ll need to service or upgrade electrical, water and waste lines and this doesn’t seem to be the answer.
The animal smell has permeated the joists and floor deck is atrocious, especially in one corner area and I believe the critters located a cavity in a perimeter corner where logs instersect and tie together. There must be a nest or dead animals here but I have no way of locating the exact location other to start demoing from the gound up. Even with sealing every crack and space the smell persists. Any suggestions other than to start the chainsaw ?
Replies
The good news is that the smell will abate over time. The bad news is that it may take 6-12 months.