Does Insulation Attract Rodents and Vermin?

The thought of rats, mice and other vermin wandering around your home is not a pleasant one. It not only raises genuine health hazard concerns but also the potential damage that these pests can inflict. Some homeowners express concern that insulation might attract these unwanted guests, but is there any truth to this belief?

Today, we aim to unveil the truth behind this question, clarify the relationship between insulation and pests and arm you with essential knowledge for effective rodent control in your home.

Does insulation attract rodents?

Understanding rodent behaviour is key before we dig deeper into the connection between insulation and pests. Mice, rats and other rodents are constantly seeking warm, dry and safe environments. This instinctive need is what draws them into our homes, especially within wall cavities and attic spaces. These creatures are remarkably adaptable and can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, thriving in smaller spaces than we might anticipate.

Therefore, the answer to our central question is no. Insulation, as such, does not attract rodents. These pests do not view insulation materials as a food source. None of the commonly used insulation products offer any nutritional value to them. Instead, the rodents are lured by the cosy and secure surroundings that these tight spaces offer – a sanctuary away from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Focus on pest control

If you do find yourself dealing with a rodent problem, it is crucial to address the core issue rather than laying the blame on insulation. Start by inspecting your existing insulation for any signs of infestation. This could be damage to the insulation material or traces of droppings and urine. If such signs are present, it indicates that rodents have already invaded the space.

The recommended course of action in such a situation is to find where the pests are entering your house and block these access points. Once this has been done, you can consider removing the existing insulation and having the area professionally vacuumed out. You should then seek the services of a pest control professional to introduce measures to prevent future issues with rodents. It’s only once the core issue – the rodent infestation – has been dealt with that you should consider installing a new layer of insulation batts.

There are numerous insulation products on the market suitable for residential homes, such as Earthwool Insulation, Bradford Gold, Bradford Polymax and Fletcher Pink Batts. These products offer high-quality thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as being non-irritant and eco-friendly, providing comfortable and safe environments for homeowners.

Does rodent-proof insulation exist?

While no insulation can claim to be 100% rodent-proof, some materials can make it harder for pests like mice and rats to manoeuvre around. Insulation products like Kingspan Kooltherm or Pirmax are rigid, which can deter rodents. When used to completely fill the wall cavity, these products leave minimal to zero space for rodents to navigate within your walls. As such, they are the closest thing there is to rodent-proof insulation for walls. 

However, while this approach may provide an added layer of protection against rodent infestation, it is a considerably more expensive solution. Often, a more efficient strategy is to tackle the rodent issue head-on through specific pest control measures. These can include trapping and removal, usage of rodenticides, sealing of entry and access points and maintaining a clean and clutter-free home environment.

Source quality insulation

When in need of high-quality home insulation, opt for a trusted Australian supplier like Pricewise Insulation. We offer an extensive array of insulation products, including foam insulation and those previously mentioned in this article.

Our team is readily available to assist you in choosing the best insulation for your property’s needs. Call us at 1300 729 639 or get ahead and place your order online today.