Florida’s climate is hot and humid, which is perfect for bugs. Our state is one of the worst states in the nation for bugs and keeping them out of the home can be a full-time job. Worse still, pests love insulation and seek it out to make it their home.
Professionally installed, quality insulation keeps heating and cooling costs down and reduces noise. But certain types of insulation also prevent pests and rodents from setting up homes in your walls or attic and instead encourage them to move elsewhere.
Allergies and Sickness
Bugs, bats, birds, and rodents are more than just an annoyance; they are dangerous. They are attracted to certain types of insulation, as it provides a soft, warm home where they can breed. Their waste ends up circulating in the air you breathe, causing allergies and illness, which can lead to serious health conditions. Symptoms of allergies include:
- Headaches
- Sore and scratchy throat
- Coughing or wheezing
- Itchy eyes
Frequently, something as simple as changing the insulation can resolve allergies from these freeloading pests.
Insulation for Pest Control
Old and damaged insulation is a breeding ground for pests. They are attracted to the damp, humid conditions, and the deteriorating insulation is easy to nest in. Once pests set up home in insulation, getting rid of them permanently is nearly impossible.
Pest spraying may help for a season, but inevitably the bugs will return and continue breeding. The waste products from the pests will remain in the old insulation even after they have been sprayed, continuing the allergy problems.
Thankfully, some forms of insulation can prevent this issue.
1. Spray Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is made up of isocyanate and polyol resin, which expand up to 60 times their liquid volume once sprayed.
All spray foam insulation sets hard, making it near impossible for pests and bugs to nest, and it has many other benefits:
- It can be sprayed in hard-to-reach areas and around wiring and pipework
- It reduces energy costs and noise pollution
- It improves air quality
- It helps keep your home cool in the sweltering Florida heat
- It stops air-leaks
Unlike some other types of insulation, spray foam stops moisture which helps prevent mold and mildew. Pests are drawn to moist, soft insulation as it offers the perfect breeding ground.
Spray foam hardens quickly and can be pumped into walls, roofs, and the attic. It is the superior choice for pest and bug control, and you should see an immediate difference.
2. Fiberglass Insulation
Owens Corning Fiberglass insulation is cost-effective, moisture and mold-resistant, non-combustive and non-corrosive. As it is moisture and mold-resistant, it can help reduce pests that thrive in a moist environment. Fiberglass insulation can be fitted as batts or pre-cut sections, or shredded pieces can be blown into place by machine.
Insulation Installers in Jacksonville, FL
It is easy to underestimate the difference insulation will make to a home or business. Quality insulation reduces noise levels and energy bills, improves air quality, and reduces allergies. Bugs and pest infestations in insulation can significantly reduce your quality of life, and the most effective solution is installing insulation that deters them.