Working in an attic is one of the most hazardous parts of the job, presenting unique structural and biological risks. Learning from those who have been there before is critical. This safety-first mindset is a core part of our Top-Floor Tactics: The PMP’s Ultimate Guide to Attic Pest Management.
We asked seasoned PMPs: “What’s the best attic inspection lesson you’ve learned?” Here’s what they had to share.
Dan Baldwin, BCE
Hawx Pest Control“Always watch where your hands are going while simultaneously paying attention to what’s above your head. You never know what insulation is hiding, so don’t assume anything. Even if you’re paying close attention to where your hands and knees are going as you’re moving across ceiling joists, you’re probably only seeing just the top of them and have no idea about the structural integrity of the piece of wood that you’re about to place your weight upon. Also, make sure somebody at the office knows you’re going into an attic; bad things can happen.”
Foster Brusca
The Pest Posse“Watch where you are going at all times. Move slowly and follow the rock climber’s rule, which is to maintain three points of contact at all times. Move only one foot or hand at a time, keeping your remaining three limbs on a secure joist or rafter.”
Pete Schopen
RV There Yet Pest Consulting“Most attic studs are 16 inches apart, but some can be 24 inches apart. Once you know this, you can ‘safely’ walk around in an attic even when there’s blown-in insulation.”
Greg Baumann
Nisus“Use a bright light while looking up as well as down. Too many times, we focus on rodents and bottom-dwelling pests, but looking up will reveal moisture leaks and other things that will point you directly to pests.”
Michael Broder
BHB Pest Elimination“Be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you are in an attic for general pest control, you may suddenly disturb birds or wildlife as well, which can add lots of drama in a confined space.”
Dr. Faith Oi
University of Florida“The attic temperature is so hot, it degrades DNA, so the probability of wood-destroying beetles surviving is almost nil. When I conducted attic inspections in August, I collected frass. A colleague attempted to recover DNA for me so we could determine whether it was a reinfesting beetle, but we could not recover any beetle DNA.”
Desiree Straubinger, BCE
BASF“Have an awesome flashlight. Even better is an awesome head lamp so you have hands open for working. Perform attic work in pairs for safety; trade off frequently to avoid heat issues. Start hydrating the night before and keep hydrating while you are working. Cooling vests work wonders. Wear a bump cap or ballcap insert to prevent head injuries.”
Mark Sheperdigian, BCE
Rose Pest Solutions“You have to put safety protocols in place and you have to enforce them equally for all employees. Safety protocols that aren’t enforced are equivalent to not having safety protocols at all.”
These lessons from the field underscore a simple truth: in an attic, safety isn’t just a guideline, it’s a lifeline. Taking your time, being aware of your surroundings, and ensuring you have the right gear are the non-negotiable rules that bring you home safe at the end of the day.
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