NEW ORLEANS Blog

How To Keep Your Attic Insulation Safe From Pests?

If you think you have pests living in your attic, then it’s time to talk to Koala of GNO about your outdated insulation.

There are many different reasons why pests may seek out homes with poor attic insulation, and the main one is simple, for shelter. Mice and rats may use your attic to hide away from predators, making it an ideal place for them to settle down. Your attic may even become a popular breeding ground for pests. 

Mice and rats can bring fleas and ticks into your attic, which can easily lead to an infestation. Other bugs that seek out poor insulation are flies, wasps, termites, moths, silverfish, and cockroaches. In fact, silverfish and cockroaches will seek out old and outdated insulation for not only shelter but also for food. That’s right, your outdated insulation is a tasty meal for some pests. Cockroaches and silverfish can eat fiberglass insulation without damaging their digestive system.

Signs You Have Pests In Your Attic

1. Droppings - You might observe small droppings on the floor, walls, and other adjacent surfaces close to the insulation area. These droppings could be a sign of pests nesting within your insulation.
2. Tracks or Trails -  Rodents and insects can be detected through the tracks or trails they leave behind in dust and dirt. These tracks are often visible around the periphery of insulation or other areas that provide small hiding spots.
3. Noise - Various pests are known to produce audible sounds while traversing through walls and the spaces between ceilings and floors. These noises can manifest in the form of scratching, chirping, squeaking, gnawing, scurrying, or other indications of movement within your insulation.
4. Bad Smells - If you detect a musty odor emanating from your attic or crawl space, it could potentially be attributed to a pest infestation in your insulation. These odors may originate from the urine or feces left behind by rodents and insects as they construct their nests.
5. Damaged Insulation - If you observe any section of your insulation that displays signs of being chewed on or damaged in any way, this could indicate the presence of pests nesting within it.

Three Main Types of Insulation for Pest Control

Don’t let your attic become a bed and breakfast for pests; it’s time to get new insulation. Three types of insulation that can effectively establish a barrier against pests such as rodents or insects are fiberglass batt, spray foam, and blown-in insulation.

1. Fiberglass Batt Insulation - The most prevalent form of insulation found in residential homes is fiberglass batt insulation. This type of insulation is composed of lengthy glass fibers that are intertwined and coated with a paper or foil backing, aiding in securing the fibers in position. This form of insulation is a straightforward process, and it offers an effective shield against pests that may attempt to infiltrate your home.
2. Spray Foam Insulation - This is a well-liked option when it comes to safeguarding against pests. It involves spraying a liquid foam onto walls or ceilings, which subsequently solidifies into a tight and impenetrable seal. Spray foam creates a highly effective barrier against pest intrusion by sealing off any potential points of entry. Additionally, its dense structure ensures superior insulation properties, enhancing the overall efficiency of your home.
3. Blown-In Insulation - This method of insulation entails utilizing an air pressure machine to blow loose particles such as cellulose, rock wool, or fiberglass into walls or ceilings. The loose particles combine to form a strong barrier that effectively seals off any drafts or potential entry points for pests. Additionally, this method of insulation offers exceptional insulating properties.

Koala Insulation of GNO is the key to ensuring the best pest prevention results as well as to combating smells that come with years of abuse. To that end, we use Attic Fresh to combat the disgusting smells, bacteria, and feces that pests leave behind. Rather than something that will simply cover the smell for a little bit, but not solve the problem, this is an enzyme treatment that effectively breaks down and transforms organic waste, while also getting rid of unpleasant odors in attics. 

Attic Fresh ensures that the attic is not only disinfected but also leaves with a refreshing scent. Attic Fresh is easily sprayed on surfaces in the attic to disinfect and deodorize. It is non-toxic and smells great. It’s also important to ensure that any gaps and cracks surrounding windows, doors, electrical outlets, and wiring are adequately sealed to prevent pests from easily infiltrating the interior spaces of your home.  

We offer FREE evaluations, where our technicians visit the site and offer expert advice on how we can help. Pests can easily infest your home if you leave it with poor insulation, take control of your home today so pests don’t overrun it.  Contact us today to set up a free home evaluation. Call us at (504) 930-4093 or book your evaluation here.