MYTH 2 Cellulose insulation attracts and harbors bugs, roaches, rats, mice, etc. Nonsense. The borate added to cellulose insulation is highly toxic to insects, small rodents, mold and mildew organisms.
It has boric acid added to it to control and keep out insects and other pests. It's also fire-resistant. Rodents generally are not drawn to cellulose insulation, either. This is because it's loose and tends to fall in on itself.
Spray foam insulation can deter mice by sealing gaps and cracks, reducing rodent activity.
Cellulose insulation is heavy, and compacts any underlying insulation. Because cellulose insulation is paper, it absorbs moisture when it rains, and in areas of high humidity. Cellulose insulation degrades over time and has to be replaced. Cellulose insulation promotes the growth of mold & mildew in your attic.
The cellulose absorbs water and causes death in rodents from hypovolemic shock. While cellulose rodenticides can be an issue for pets if ingested in large amounts, they rarely cause significant signs.
Professional removal of contaminated insulation is the most effective way to limit the exposure of you and your family to harmful rodent-borne viruses that remain following an infestation.
Galvanized sheet metal: 24 gauge or heavier. Perforated sheet metal grills should be 14 gauge. Hardware cloth (wire mesh): 19 gauge, 1/2 x 1/2-inch mesh to exclude rats; 24 gauge, 1/4 x 1/4-inch mesh to exclude mice. Aluminum: 22 gauge for frames and flashing; 20 gauge for kick plates; 18 gauge for guards.
Cellulose Insulation
The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years, with degradation beginning as early as 15 years after installation. As with other types of insulation, severe weather or outside interference can reduce the lifespan. Note: cellulose is often used as supplementary insulation.
Microcrystalline cellulose is generally safe, but some people may experience side effects such as gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and constipation. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, manifesting as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
When cellulose insulation gets wet, it tends to settle, compacting down into a tighter space within the ceiling, floor or wall cavity. This leaves part of the cavity devoid of insulation, and in the areas that do have insulation, the material is now so dense that it loses a lot of its effectiveness.
The best and most permanent way to stop mice in your home is "exclusion" or "building them out". In other words, eliminating any openings through which they can enter. And believe it or not, using steel wool for mice infestations is an incredible way of keeping rodents outside your home.
Peppermint oil
Mice hate the smell of peppermint and will avoid areas where it's used. Peppermint oil is a natural repellent that can be used to keep mice away from your home. Peppermint oil is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita).
Great Stuff™ Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant is a ready-to-use foam sealant that expands up to 1” to take the shape of gaps, creating a long-lasting, airtight and water-resistant seal that blocks out spiders, ants, cockroaches, mice and more from entering the home without the use of pesticides.
SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
Within such insulation, mice cannot move around or create pathways, further deterring their presence. These insulation types create barriers that mice find challenging to navigate, making them less attractive for nesting.
At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown-in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.
Rats and ruminants, like all mammals,lack the enzymes necessary to digest cellulose down to simple sugars, makingplant material a generally poor foodstuff.
Cellulose and other forms of dietary fiber have many health benefits. Cellulose fiber from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is generally safe when consumed in moderation. In some cases, however, your doctor may recommend that you consume a low-fiber diet.
Humans are unable to digest cellulose because we lack appropriate enzymes (cellulase) to break down this complex substance, cellulose.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install. Fiberglass batt is also incredibly energy efficient, as it helps to slow the spread of hot and cold air.
Too much insulation will leave humidity and moisture to accumulate in your attic space. This can lead to mold growth on your walls and insulation. There might also be water damage to the support beams in your home's roof.
Cellulose manufacturers agree that their products settle over time. 2 Most set the settling rate at about 20%. Therefore, if cellulose is mistakenly installed to its labeled settled thickness, it may lose about 20% of its R-value when it settles.
To discourage mice, remove all food sources by storing grains, pet food, and other dry goods in metal containers. Make sure mice won't find nesting material by storing all soft, fluffy material like fabric, rugs and blankets in heavy plastic or metal boxes.
Mice will have difficulty climbing some surfaces that do not have the imperfections they need to get a decent footing. Smooth and slick materials made from plastic, metal, glazed wood, and glass typically don't provide the necessary grip for a mouse's claws to grasp which make them a challenge to climb.
High-Calorie Foods: Cheese, Peanut Butter, and Candy
Foods rich in calories and fat are among a mouse's favorites. Cheese, peanut butter, and sugary snacks like candy are highly attractive and often used as bait in traps.