Posted on January 26, 2023

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!