TAP® Pest Control Insulation FAQ

two hands holding a pile of cellulose insulation

We spoke last month about TAP® Insulation, and how the team at Johnson Pest Control can use this pest-killing insulation to defend your home from a variety of potential insect infestations. If you want to know about the basics of the technology and an overview of what it can do for you, you can find all of that in our previous blog. If you read through that already and found that you have some questions, that’s exactly what we plan to get into now. Below you’ll find some more detail about TAP and its benefits – things you might not have known or considered previously. For homeowners in East Tennessee that are still on the fence, this might be enough to push you towards giving your family the pest protection you all deserve. If you come to that conclusion, the team at Johnson Pest Control is ready to help!

TAP® Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Boric acid? Is it safe? 

A. Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical compound that takes the form of a colorless crystal or white powder. It’s antiseptic, which makes it a vital component of any first aid kit. It’s also a great cleaning agent, as it can remove stains, deodorize, and kill mold. But the reason why we use it in TAP Insulation is because it’s one of the most effective pest-killing properties on the market. In small amounts, it isn’t strong enough to harm larger pests, animals, children, or adults. To them it’s safe, but it should always be handled carefully and installed by a professional.

Q. How long does TAP® take to install? How long does it last?

A. The length of the initial installation depends on the size and structure of the space you want to insulate. Typically, the process of blowing the cellulose into the attic, floors or wall takes between four to six hours. Once it’s installed, though, it has the potential to last for decades without needing to be replaced.

Q. Will TAP® save me money?

A. We’ve noted that TAP has the capabilities to prevent pest infestations from forming. Because of that, you avoid having to pay for treatment. Not only that, but the insulating qualities of TAP allow your HVAC appliances to use less energy, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. With all that taken into consideration, it’s easy to see how this one installation can quickly pay for itself.

Q. Do I need to prepare for TAP® Insulation? 

Maybe not! If you have damaged insulation, it’s always suggested to remove it before installing TAP. Otherwise, if you have intact cellulose or spray foam, you can easily install TAP over it for an additional layer of pest-free* protection.

Q. What are the downsides to TAP® Insulation?

TAP insulation is fire-resistant, and it doesn’t lose effectiveness over time. However, since it’s made of cellulose it’s vulnerable to water and runs the risk of mold. If you have a leaky roof or water intrusion in your attic, this could be an issue. It also has a mid-tier R-value that’s higher than fiberglass, but not quite as high as spray foam insulation.

 ChooseJohnson Pest Control for TAP® Insulation in East Tennessee

We believe that homes in the East Tennessee area deserve the very best – and the same goes for the people that live in them. We’re happy to combat any variety of pest infestations that may occur in or around your property, but we’d prefer for you to be able to live pest-free* without any effort at all. That’s why we’re so fond of TAP Insulation and the way it can make your home more comfortable. Our team has been providing preventative pest control for 40 years, and in that time, we’ve come to learn what works and what doesn’t. And to put it very simply: we think TAP Insulation works.

Curious to know more? Do you have a question we didn’t answer? Our experts are happy to elaborate! Contact Johnson Pest Control today to learn more or get your free quote today!

A Pest-Free and TAP-Insulated Winter

As we head into the winter season in East Tennessee, the pests in the area start looking for shelter, warmth, and a consistent source of food. You can find all of this in the average home, which is why pest infestations spike in the latter half of the year. So what can you do? Johnson Pest Control specializes in residential and commercial pest control for properties in and around Eastern Tennessee – but does it have to get that far? What if we were to tell you that there was a preventative measure you can take to stop infestations before they form? It’s called TAP® Pest Control Insulation. Not only is it effective against most common insects, it’s also quality insulation that improves the energy efficiency of your home. Is it a good fit for your household? Let’s talk more about it below.

What is TAP® Insulation?

TAP® stands for Thermal Acoustical Pest Control insulation. It is made of cellulose, primarily recycled newspaper, that’s blown into wall voids or attics. You can add it on top of existing insulation, as it settles and covers it easily. What makes TAP® Insulation so special is that each piece of cellulose is treated with borate salts. This borate is not concentrated enough to harm humans, but when insects ingest it, it proves fatal. That makes this specialized material effective at eliminating many types of pests such as:

  • Ants
  • Termites
  • Cockroaches
  • Snails
  • Beetles
  • Silverfish and more

Other Benefits of TAP® Insulation

A major appeal of TAP® Insulation is the fact that, once it’s applied, it doesn’t lose efficiency over the course of time. As long as the material isn’t damaged, it remains an active and reliable pesticide. It’s even estimated that, under the right circumstances, it can remain effective for up to 100 years!

In addition to being an effective pesticide, TAP® also excels as insulation. It can slow the flow of air that passes through it, which keeps spaces like your attic warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This renders your home more efficient and takes some of the strain off your HVAC system. It’s why our insulation has the Energy Star seal of approval, and how it can save you up to 30% on your annual energy bill!

Not only will TAP® Insulation help your home become (or stay) pest-free* and more efficient, it can also help make it quieter. If installed at a level of R-60, we can almost completely eliminate sounds from the outdoors. That’s peace of mind in every sense of the word!

A Comfortable, Pest-Free Home

If you’re looking for the industry leaders in pest control and prevention, you’ve found it in Johnson Pest Control. Our services are fast and convenient, whether you need inspections, insulation or pest control treatment. It’s our ultimate goal to leave the homes in Eastern Tennessee running smoothly and efficiently at every point in the year. Whatever you need to make that happen in terms of pests is something we’re happy to do. So if you want to save a lot of money and even more trouble, TAP® Pest Control Insulation may be the best choice for your home. Contact us today to learn more and get your free consultation!