Does Pest Control Insulation Work?

Few things are more frustrating in homeownership than pest infestations. Whether you’re placing mouse traps or figuring out how ants are getting inside, pest infestations can be pretty discouraging. If you’ve contacted a pest control specialist, they may have recommended a pest control insulation. But does pest control insulation actually work?

South Central Services has insulated hundreds of new and existing homes around Chambersburg, PA with spray foam and blown-in insulation. It is essential to understand what pest control insulation is and whether you should invest in it.

By the end of this article, you will understand:

• How pest control insulation works
• Whether or not to purchase pest control insulation

Pest Control Insulation Is Just Insulation.

Pest control insulation is meant to keep pests out of the insulation, not necessarily to prevent pests from invading the home. Some types of insulation, such as blown-in, can receive additive ingredients to discourage pests from nesting inside.

You may think that pest control insulations offer additional defense against pests compared to other insulations. In reality, pest control insulation is the same as other blown-in insulations. Pest control insulation has the same ingredients and additives as other blown-in insulation products.

Generally speaking, pest control companies who offer insulation offer both batt and blown-in. Batt insulation is not a pest control product. Blown-in insulation does include additives like borate or boric acid to deter insects and nesting rodents. Because of these additives, blown-in can be considered a pest control product.

However, you do not have to purchase blown-in from a pest control company. You can purchase these products yourself at a home improvement store, or you can hire a professional insulation company.

Insulation Alone Will Not Solve Your Pest Problems.

No pest control insulation can create a pest control solution. Insulation plays a role in pest control strategy, but insulation alone cannot solve the problem you’re experiencing. Pest control is a multi-pronged approach.

It is a misconception that insulation from a pest control company will deliver more pest control than other insulations.

Pest control insulation can work, but it is important to keep these two truths in mind.

1. Branded pest control insulation is not the only blown-in product with borate additives.
2. Your pest control solution may be more unique due to the design of your home.

The solution should be tailored to the problem. If you have a pest infestation, your insulation may be able to do more for your problem than simply preventing nesting.

Still, Insulation Can Help To Deter Pest Infestations.

If you’re researching pest control insulation, you are likely dealing with a pest issue. Maybe you’ve found mice in your attic, or ants keep finding their way into your home. Your first concern is probably dealing with the pest infestations. Nobody wants insects or rodents in their homes.

The good news is that insulation can help to deter pests. However, it is important to install the right insulation to achieve the solution you’re looking for.

For example, if you have rodents in your attic, you will want to cut off their entryways into your home. An airtight seal in your attic floor can help to deter mice. Once those gaps are sealed, a blown-in product can be applied to the floor. Or, you may benefit from encapsulating your attic with spray foam.

We would recommend contacting a qualified insulation contractor to discuss the issues that you are having. At the very least, you can get a second opinion about how to handle your insulation. The insulation contractor can identify any problem areas in your home that would complicate the installation.

Remember, when you’re purchasing insulation, its primary goal is to insulate. Insulation can have a significant impact on your energy efficiency. When choosing an insulation product, it is vital to select the product that will deliver the result you want.

At most, pest control insulation can deter rodents from nesting inside the insulation itself. Depending on the problems you are experiencing, an insulation product sold by a pest company may not deliver the solution you need. You may need additional measures from the pest control company, or a different insulation solution.

There is no reason to make a significant investment in insulation under the guise of pest control. Insulation is meant to insulate. If you’re spending the money on insulation, it is best to get the product that will insulate well and contribute to pest control.

The Bottom Line About Whether Pest Control Insulation Is Right For Your Home

Blown-in insulation is the only insulation offered by pest control companies that actually has pest control properties. Blown-in does not have to be installed by a pest control company. You can install blown-in insulation yourself, or hire a qualified insulation contractor.

Installing pest control insulation will not solve your pest infestation problems. Insulation can only aid in a larger pest control strategy. If you’re struggling with a specific pest problem in your home, other methods from the pest control company are probably the wisest investment.

If you are interested in investing in insulation, it is best to contact a qualified insulation contractor. These professionals are educated in building science and can create a tailor-made solution for the problem you’re facing. This could include blown-in with an air-seal, or even spray foam insulation.

Now that you understand how pest control insulation works, your next step is to:

• Compare options for attic insulation
• Learn how to repair your crawl space
• Estimate the cost of spray foam upgrades