Mold spores look black and dark like this.
Black flakes in attic.
Black flakes on sheathing originally posted by h g.
One way doors are best.
In the attic photograph at left we show a mix of green gray and white attic mold.
Black pepper contains high concentrations of a chemical called piperine which is highly toxic to rats.
Black pepper has other compounds which irritate the nasal passages in humans and cause sneezing.
However i also suspect late 70s vintage frt plywood decking exposed to higher temperatures in the low slope poorly ventilated minimal attic space so common to your region of construction of that decade and the one prior.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
Deteriorating duct liners produce black particles which blow from the vents and collect on walls or the ground.
For squirrels in your attic or softlift.
Roach frass looks small black specks or black pepper flecks.
A really old unit might house an old or.
However rats are unlikely to eat enough of the pepper to induce the toxic effects of piperine.
If you see those black particles you ll need to have a.
There are a few types that you can use.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
Vermiculite is a mineral mined from the earth composed of shiny flakes that look like mica.
Boosting attic ventilation will also help but this is difficult to do at this time of year.
The photo at page top shows white attic mold on the roof sheathing and rafters and some brown or black mold on the attic side of ceiling drywall where we pulled back insulation.
If the duct liner is the source of the black dust it should be replaced right away as the particles could be dangerous if inhaled.
When looking for attic mold trace both leak.
Sealing your attic access hatch to prevent the movement of indoor air past the edges is the first step.
Since it has an r value of about r 2 per inch it was used for decades as an insulation material.
When this mineral is put in an oven it expands like popcorn.
And as air circulates through your system it will pick up the mold spores in your ductwork and push them into your home through the air vents which explains the black flakes around your vents.
A technician can tell you if the problem is the duct liner.
If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos.
Your cat s litter can also be sprinkled in your garden.
Expanded vermiculite is lightweight fire resistant and odorless.
Flea dirt consists of small deep maroon or black flecks that are very hard and dry to the touch.
It will be spread out along the roach runway a frequently traveled path all the roaches in a colony will use.
The trap is mounted at the hole used by the squirrels on the outside of.
