If you’ve been looking into pest control techniques in and around Arkansas, you may have heard of TAP Pest Control Insulation. What is TAP insulation? Why would a pest control company install insulation? Whatever questions you may have about the product or the process, we can answer them!
What Does TAP Insulation Do?
TAP, or T·A·P as it’s sometimes spelled, stands for Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation. Unlike sheets of fiberglass batting or globs of 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 It Kill Bugs?
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 accumulates in their guts and eventually causes them to die of dehydration or malnutrition.
Which Pests Can 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 rodents like rats, mice, or squirrels.
Is TAP Insulation Environmentally Friendly?
Very! Cellulose is already viewed as one of the greenest building products in the world, and the cellulose we work with 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 Does TAP Insulation Last?
Since insects can’t 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, without ever needing to be replaced!
Do 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 Good Insulation?
That’s ultimately what it comes down to; isn’t it? It’s nice in theory to have insulation that can combat pests, but that won’t matter if it can’t regulate temperature or block out sound. Luckily, TAP insulation does more than kill a majority of insect pests that come 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. It reduces wear and tear on your HVAC equipment so they will be able to run better and with less energy, ultimately saving you money on your annual heating and cooling bills. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is also a highly effective acoustic insulation that reduces the sounds from outside.
We’re familiar with pest infestations of all types, but what we’d prefer is to keep pests from infesting your property in the first place. That’s why we offer preventative services – to provide a constant level of protection that can help you live more comfortably and pest-free*.
To learn more about how Delta Pest Control can help keep pests out of your home or to get an estimate, contact us today!
