If you’ve been looking into pest control techniques in Illinois and Indiana, you may have heard of TAP Insulation. It’s a specialized service offered by only a select group of exterminators across the country, but hearing that may come with some degree of confusion. What is TAP insulation? Why would a pest control company install insulation? Whatever questions you may have about the product or the process, we’re here to answer them.
What is TAP® Insulation?
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 TAP Kill Pests?
Unlike other forms of insulation, TAP is specially treated with a borate solution that, to us, is about as toxic as table salt. But as insects walk through 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.
What Pests Can TAP Insulation Kill?
TAP Insulation kills most smaller insect pests like ants and termites, as well as bigger insects like beetles, centipedes and roaches. It is not effective on rats, mice or squirrels.
Is TAP Insulation Eco-Friendly?
Yes! 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, as we’ve devoted entire studies to knowing exactly how we 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 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 up to 100 years!
Do I Need to Remove My Existing Insulation to Install TAP?
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 Insulation a Good Insulation?
That’s ultimately what it comes down to it, isn’t it? It’s nice in theory to have insulation that can combat pests, but that won’t hold up if that same material can’t regulate temperature or block out sound. Luckily, TAP insulation does more than kill a majority of 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. Your HVAC equipment will have less wear and tear and use less energy, ultimately saving money on your annual heating and cooling bills. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is also highly effective at reducing outside noise.
All in all, TAP Insulation is an extra layer of protection for any home in Illinois or Indiana. And Terminix Anderson 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!
