A home is one of the most precious investments you will make in your life. It protects you from harsh weather, offers warmth on a cold day and shelter from hot summers.
Insulation prevents pests from invading your home by blocking gaps they use for entry and containing pest-killing borate. Insulation also helps reduce energy costs.
Insects and Rodents
Rodents such as mice and rats are renowned for squeezing into any nook or crevice in the walls, attic, and insulation of homes. This creates problems for the homeowner because of their droppings, urine stains and chewed wires. They also carry a variety of diseases that affect humans and pets.
The presence of pests in the walls and attic can also result in physical damage to your home, such as broken cutlery, kitchen equipment or containers containing food ingredients, which will need to be replaced. If they get into the electrical wiring, you could be facing costly repair bills.
There are some insulation products that can help deter rodents and insects, like the Kingspan Kooltherm and Bradford Polymax brands. These products are rigid and can be installed to fill the wall cavity completely, leaving minimal to no space for rodents to maneuver in. However, no insulation can claim to be 100% rodent-proof.
Another option is to use a product called TAP Pest Resistant Insulation. This is a blown-in insulation made of over 80% recycled newspaper. It is infused with borate, which clings to the surface of pests. When the pests groom themselves, they ingest the borate and die. This state-of-the-art insulation is available from licensed pest control providers, like Florida Pest Control, and can be applied to new and existing houses.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are both fungi that thrive in warm, damp areas. However, they differ in appearance and potential health risks. Mildew typically has a powdery appearance and white or gray color; it rests on surface materials, including household fabrics, which it can cause to discolor. Mildew spores can also linger in the air and cause respiratory issues for sensitive individuals.
Molds, on the other hand, have a fuzzy appearance and can appear in a range of colors, from dark reds to swampy greens. They can eat into cloth, causing it to discolor and eventually rot. Mold spores can also be breathed in, triggering allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Those with severe allergies may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, throat and skin; those with chronic lung conditions or nutritional deficiencies may suffer more serious reactions.
It’s easy to confuse mildew and mold, especially since they grow in similar environments. However, recognizing the difference is important because mildew can be removed with a store bought cleaner and scrubbing brush while mold requires professional remediation. Moreover, mold can be much more dangerous than mildew. Black mold, for example, secretes mycotoxins that wage guerilla warfare against the body, entering through the skin and nose, lodging in the lungs and causing breathing problems and neurological damage. To prevent mold, it is important to control moisture levels by using vapor barriers and increasing attic ventilation.
Foreign Material Accumulation
Insulation can become contaminated with dust, debris and other foreign material that impedes its function. When this occurs, the insulation may no longer be effective and it can attract pests. It can also lead to mold and fungal growth. In addition, these contaminants can contribute to the degradation of the cellulose fibers in the insulation.
The simplest way to prevent this type of accumulation is by ensuring that all insulation materials are free of contamination prior to use. This can be achieved through the use of inspection methods such as detectors, traps, visual, sieves and filters. It is important that the inspections be conducted on a routine basis to ensure that the contaminants do not build up and disrupt the insulation’s effectiveness.
In addition, a company must ensure that all foreign material is captured in the waste disposal process to prevent it from contaminating the environment. The disposal of this material must be performed in compliance with the applicable regulations. Boric acid, the chemical component of INCIDE(r) PEST CONTROL INSULATION, appears on the TSCA inventory list under the CAS number 10043-35-3. It is important to consult the EPA product label and the RCRA/SARA/CERCLA/CA/NYU/Superfund regulatory requirements for additional product Hazard and Precautionary Information. INCIDE(r) PEST CONTROL INSULINATION is not a DOT hazardous material and does not require special shipping or handling procedures. It also does not pose a fire hazard, and it presents low acute oral and dermal toxicity to humans.
Health Issues
Insulation that’s contaminated with rodent droppings can cause respiratory problems when it circulates through air-conditioning and heating systems. Contaminated insulation can also exacerbate allergies and asthma, especially in children and the elderly. If you suspect your insulation is contaminated with rodent waste, consult a professional.
If you’re concerned about the health of your family, T-A-P pest control insulation is an excellent option. This natural cellulose insulation contains materials that guard against mold and mildew. It’s also effective in reducing allergens such as animal dander and dust that may trigger respiratory issues.
Cellulose is a natural material, and T-A-P pest control insulation combines it with borate pesticides for superior pest protection. The borate is distributed throughout the insulation, so that when a household pest such as ants, booklice, earwigs, cockroaches, millipedes or silverfish crawls through the cellulose, it ingests the borate particles and dies.
Moreover, T-A-P pest control insulation has fire retardant properties and will delay the spread of flames in the event of a house fire. It’s a green alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation and aligns well with current IPM practices. In addition, T-A-P pest control insulation helps homeowners save money on their energy bills. It reduces the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool their homes. It’s also a smart upgrade for new construction and renovations.