Don't Let Pests Wreak Havoc on Your AC

You count on your home’s air conditioning system to keep you cool during the summer heat. It’s important to and get seasonal HVAC tune-ups to help keep it running smoothly. That includes AC pest control—having it inspected and protected from pests, like rodents and snakes, that can damage your system.

What types of pests can damage your air conditioning unit?

Whether they crawl, slither, gnaw or build mounds, pests can tamper with your air conditioning system, both inside and outside your house.

• Mice and rats like to crawl into small spaces, and they use air duct material to build their nests. These rodents can also chew through refrigerant lines, electrical wires, and other HVAC and AC components, causing expensive repairs and potential hazards. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect AC from rats and mice.
• Snakes can nest in ductwork or even coil up in the condenser. A snake that’s wandered inside the AC unit will probably be killed by the fan blades when the unit comes on, but at the expense of the blades or other components.
• Termites, ants, wasps and other pests may also make their way into your AC system. Ant mounds can keep parts of the unit from operating properly or short out electrical connections. A wasp nest in an air vent can also be dangerous, particularly if anyone in your family is allergic to their sting.  

Can mice come through vents?

Mice are small and flexible enough to get into many tight spaces, including air ducts. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a nickel and that rats can get through a hole as small as a half-dollar. It’s critical to know how to keep mice out of your air conditioner.

• Interior air vents that have louvered, angled or grid openings smaller than a nickel in size will likely not allow enough room for a rodent to squeeze through.
• Fresh air intake vents and exterior air vents can be entry points if they’re large enough, cracked, or have holes in the protective screens.
• Attic and crawl space vents are also easier for mice and rats to access if not properly screened or covered.

Rodents in air ducts and vents pose health risks to humans. Some people can have allergic reactions to mouse and rat dander, urine or droppings. Wild rodents can also carry a variety of pathogens that may cause diseases, so it’s important to carefully check your AC system for any signs of their presence or have a professional pest control technician inspect it.

A dead mouse in the ductwork could also be the source of a foul odor that lingers or worsens when the AC unit is in operation. Dead mice may even have to be removed before the situation improves.

So much for rodents. What about reptiles?

Snakes can slither into exterior air vents if they fit through the vent, a crack or a hole in the screen. This is not the most common air conditioning problem but you should still keep snakes away from your AC unit and HVAC system. 

Make your yard a no-go area for snakes.

• Mow and weed regularly, and don’t let grass grow high.
• Fill any holes in the grass or dirt that might give snakes a place to hide. 

Sprinkle sulfur powder — a snake deterrent — around the edges of the yard.

Pest-proof air conditioning units, ducts and vents.

AC pest control is all about preventing outdoor critters and nesting insects from accessing and damaging the AC unit — or interfering with the wires and lines that connect to it.  It’s key to keeping the system in good working order.

• Install air vent and flue covers. Use mesh screens or special coverings made for air vents and flue pipes to help keep mice, wasps and other pests out.  
• Seal air ducts. Make sure pests can’t get into your air ducts through cracks, gaps or holes.  Repair ducts right away when you see a problem. And replace any peeling duct tape. 
• Protect the condenser. Keep the area around your exterior AC unit clean and clear of vegetation that could attract mice or snakes. Look for signs of feces, urine or chewing, especially along refrigerant lines and electrical wires. Watch for the beginnings of ant mounds.
• Cover air vent grilles and protect air ducts. Vertical louvers will help prevent birds and insects from nesting in or around vents and ducts. Mesh or specialty screens will also help keep rodents out.
• Reduce moisture around the AC unit. Get rid of rain or condensation puddles that may form near the unit. Standing or dripping water can attract mice, rats, snakes and other critters, as well as creating the conditions for termite activity.
• Use appropriate pest control measures to prevent infestation. Hiring properly trained pest control professionals is the best way to make sure you’re preventing infestations.

Keep pests out by sticking to a routine.

Here are some simple air conditioner pest control habits to get into:

• Consistently maintain your AC unit.
• Have the system checked by a professional twice a year. It’s important to get an HVAC tune-up in the fall before temps drop and you turn on your heating system; and then again in the spring before you need the AC. Make sure the Pro cleans the components and looks for signs of pest activity in the condenser, vents, and duct system during these tune-ups.
• Don't put off needed repair or refurbishment. Commit to keeping your AC unit in top shape so it’ll cool efficiently and last longer.

If you do find a dead mouse in your ductwork or a pest infestation in your AC unit, call a professional pest control service ASAP.

Schedule an AC Tune-up Today.

American Home Shield® warranties cover repair or replacement of your AC unit due to normal wear and tear. But if your AC unit fails due to interference by mice, snakes or other pests, AHS warranty protection will not cover the damage. So, paying attention to AC pest control now can help avoid expensive repairs later.

American Home Shield provides home warranty services you can count on. Our home warranty plans cover up to 23 major components of systems and appliances including your AC, heating, plumbing, refrigerator, oven, stove and more. We’ll send a qualified Pro to your home to make the covered repair, help protect your wallet from unexpected expenses, and help you keep your home running smoothly.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.