Why Does a Pest Control Company Install Insulation?

three dead roaches on a floor

If you’ve been looking into pest control techniques in and around Knoxville TN, you may have heard of TAP Pest Control Insulation. It’s a specialized service offered by a select group of exterminators across the country. What is TAP insulation, you might wonder? And why would a pest control company install insulation? Whatever questions you may have about the product or the process, we can answer them!

TAP® Insulation: What is It Used For?

TAP, or T·A·P as it’s sometimes spelled, stands for Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation. Unlike sheets of fiberglass batting or foam insulation, TAP is made up of loose cellulose that is blown into your attic or the voids in your walls. It settles, and once it does it can kill a variety of pests while also functioning as an excellent insulation.

How Does TAP Insulation Work?

Unlike other forms of insulation, TAP is specially treated with a borate solution that, to humans, is about as toxic as table salt. But as insects come into contact with it, the material sticks to their bodies and is then ingested when they groom themselves. Since they are unable to pass the substance, it gathers in their guts and eventually causes them to die of dehydration or malnutrition.

Which Bugs Will TAP Insulation Kill?

You can see the complete list of pests that TAP insulation is effective against on the product’s EPA label. TAP is effective on smaller insects like ants and termites, as well as bigger pests like beetles, roaches, and slugs. TAP is not effective on rats, mice or squirrels, but at the same time, our insulation does not act as a food source the way that some others may.

Is TAP Eco-Friendly?

Yes! Cellulose is already considered one of the greenest building products in the world, and the cellulose TAP is made from is over 80% recycled materials. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, which has devoted entire studies to knowing exactly how this product can control bugs and protect your home in a way that is sustainable as well as effective.

How Long Lasting is TAP Insulation?

Since insects cannot build up a tolerance to the borate inside the cellulose, TAP insulation has the benefit of maintaining its pest-killing properties for decades at a time. Unless the material is damaged by moisture or rodents, it can insulate and kill pests for decades, up to 100 years in ideal conditions!

Will I Need to Replace My Existing Insulation?

If your existing insulation is damaged by rodents or excess moisture, you may want to consider getting it removed before installing a new material. If that isn’t the case, since TAP is loose fill, it can be easily blown in over any existing insulation.

Is TAP a Good Insulation?

This is the bottom line, right? It’s nice in theory to have insulation that can combat pests, but the pest-killing properties don’t matter if that same material can’t regulate temperature or block out sound. Luckily, TAP Insulation does more than kill a majority of common insect pests that it comes into contact with it. Since cellulose is thicker than other forms of traditional insulation, it slows the flow of air through it. That means that it keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Your HVAC equipment will be able to use less energy, have less wear and tear, and ultimately save you money on your heating and cooling bills. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is also highly effective at noise insulation – reducing the sounds from outside a home that may otherwise enter through the attic.

All in all, TAP Insulation is an extra layer of protection for any home in the Knoxville TN area. And Russell’s Pest Control can help install TAP in your home today to keep it more comfortable and pest-free. Want to know more? Visit our TAP Insulation page!

Insulation and Pest Control in One

A close up of cellulose insulation fibers

As winter approaches in the Knoxville TN area, the pests in your neighborhood start looking for shelter, warmth, and a reliable source of food. All of these things are present in the typical home. As a result, there is an increase in pest infestations in homes late in the year as pests try to get inside. Russell’s Pest Control has been providing reliable pest control since 1971. If you have a pest infestation, we can get rid of it. But what if we told you there was a step you could take to prevent an infestation from starting in the first place? There is. It’s called TAP® Pest Control Insulation. It’s not only effective against the majority of common insect pests, but it is also high-quality insulation that makes your home more energy efficient. 

What’s TAP® Insulation?

Thermal Acoustical Pest Control insulation is referred to as TAP®. It is made from cellulose, a common insulation material that is blown into attics or wall cavities and can be applied on top of existing insulation. Each piece of cellulose in TAP® Insulation has been treated with borate salts, which is what makes it unique. Although the borate is not concentrated enough to harm humans, it is lethal to insects when they consume it. This material is effective for getting rid of a variety of pests, including:

  • Ants
  • Cockroaches
  • Beetles
  • Snails
  • Silverfish and more
  • Termites

TAP® Insulation Benefits

TAP® Insulation doesn’t lose effectiveness over time. It continues to be an effective and reliable pesticide as long as the material is undamaged. In fact, it’s estimated that under ideal conditions, it can continue to work for up to 100 years!

TAP® not only works well as a pesticide but it’s also excellent insulation. The air that travels through it moves more slowly, keeping areas like your attic warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This increases the efficiency of your home and lessens the load on your HVAC system. This explains why our insulation has earned the Energy Star label and how it can help you save up to 30% on your yearly energy costs. TAP® Insulation can help your house become pest-free, more energy-efficient, and quieter. Installed at a level of R-60, it will almost totally block out outdoor noise. 

For TAP® Insulation, Call Russell’s

At Russell’s Pest Control, we want to help our neighbors in the Knoxville TN area live as pest-free as possible. Whether you need inspections, insulation, or pest control treatment, we can help. If your home is drafty or prone to pests, you should consider TAP® Pest Control Insulation. Contact us to learn more and to schedule your free consultation!