Imagine this:
A homeowner calls a pest control company because they’re hearing noises in their walls and periodically having issues with bugs. A representative of the company comes to the home and inspects for pest issues. The representative asks to see the attic. The homeowner, trying to find the source of their problem, obliges. After 15 or so minutes, the representative climbs down and presents the homeowner with concerning information: all of the pest issues stem from the attic. There’s signs of rodent activity and crawling insects. The representative thinks the situation is pretty bad. The representative recommends the homeowner have all their insulation replaced. The cost? Over $15,000. There’s good news, though: if the homeowner acts quickly, the representative can get the price down to $10,000. The homeowner is concerned. That’s a lot of money, right? But if it’s true that the occasional ant in the kitchen or the mouse problem both came from the attic, well, then…
So what’s happening here? Is this a scam? Is there a treatment for attics that can make a meaningful dent in pest activity? Is it worth the price tag, even if it does help? In the nature of fairness, this piece will discuss the service from multiple angles before arriving at our conclusion.
What Is an Insulation Replacement Treatment?
Insulation replacement is a service sold by many large pest control companies. They’re generally touted as a way to solve issues with insects or rodents in the attic, or as a preventative measure. The technician will come to the home and remove all existing insulation in an attic, then fill the area with new insulation that’s pest-resistant, either by blowing it in or rolling it across the attic and cutting to fit. These replacements often come with exorbitant price tags, ranging from $10k-$30k, with even higher amounts charged for homes over 2,000 sq ft. We’ve heard of one company who charged a family $61,000 for an insulation replacement service.
Why Might Insulation Need Replacing?
Insulation is an important part of home construction. The proper amount of quality insulation can lower heating and cooling costs, prevent moisture issues, and even help dampen sounds in your home. Here’s the tricky part, though: there are plenty of reasons to replace failing insulation, but very few of them are pest related. Most people choose to replace the insulation in their home when it degrades due to aging, if it contains toxic materials, or has become molded or mildewed after water damage.
Can Pest-Proof Insulation Protect The Attic From Bugs and Rodents?
Certain types of insulation are treated with products that make them resistant to insects, such as boric acid, and some metal insulation makes it an unappealing spot for rodents to nest. However, neither type will be enough to entirely eliminate pest activity. Even if the insulation in the attic is a deterrent, the attic itself is still a potential harborage area for pests.
Attics are warm, dry environments that go undisturbed for long periods of time, which makes them an ideal living area for insects and rodents. Any insect that can avoid the insulation will not be eliminated, and rodents may scavenge other materials to use as bedding. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, though. If you notice activity in your attic, be it spiders or mice, any pest control company will be able to eliminate the issue with services designed for the targeted pest.
So… Is Pest-Proof Insulation A Scam? What Should I Look Out For?
Yes. In our opinion, almost all insulation replacements are scams.
Replacing insulation in an attic should be the final step of a pest treatment that’s performed in an attic, if it’s performed at all. The main reason insulation would need replacing in an attic is because of one of the reasons listed above– degradation of the insulation due to aging or water damage, or if the insulation has toxic compounds.
The only reason insulation would need replacing due to a pest issue is after a very long, very pronounced rodent infestation. An ongoing rodent issue usually leaves attics with significant amounts of rodent urine and feces. At that level of infestation, it’s very unlikely that the inhabitants of the home would be unaware of it, as the rodent population would be large enough to make significant noise and mice or rats would begin creeping into the lower parts of the house looking for resources. Homeowners with this problem will not be surprised to find out their attic has had a rodent issue. It’s important to note that these pest control companies are betting that their customers don’t know this, and panic when they hear they need an expensive treatment. But don’t worry, there are several things you can do to make sure you or someone you know does not fall victim to an insulation replacement scam.
How to Keep Yourself (And Others) From Falling For It
First of all, do your due diligence! If you receive a quote for one of these treatments, call a local competitor and ask them to come by and take a look at the attic. At Natural State, we frequently get calls from concerned homeowners who’ve just been told their home is in need of insulation treatments. Upon completing our own inspection, we often find that there is a very minor issue in the attic that can be cleared up within a few appointments, and for a fraction of the cost the customer was quoted originally.
Secondly, beware of high-pressure selling or scare tactics. This will always be a red flag for any company selling home services. A seasoned pest technician with your best interests at heart will give you an honest assessment of the issue without making you feel alarmed (and in need of a treatment that costs as much as a car). The technician might be concerned by the results of his inspection and recommend services, but they should always advise starting with small, proven interventions before jumping to more drastic measures. Their job is to help homeowners understand the problem and what can be done to fix it, not scaring them into services they don’t need.
The Bottom Line
If you ever have questions about a service that was recommended by a pest control company, do your homework and ask a reputable, local competitor to take a look. At Natural State, we offer free estimates and home visits for customers who are concerned they may be getting fleeced. If you are having pest issues in your attic, remember that effective pest control starts with identifying the problem, addressing entry points, and using the appropriate treatments. Insulation replacement, if it’s needed at all, is a final step, not the first.
If someone tells you that the problem in your attic will cost $10,000 to fix, tell them thanks and send them away. Take a breath, make a phone call, and get another set of eyes on it. Your wallet will thank you.
For Further Help:
Natural State Pest Control does not perform Insulation Replacement services because we don't believe they're a needed, effective treatment for most customers. If you have any questions about the status of your attic and whether your insulation needs replacing due to pest problems, we're willing to help.
To discuss an insulation replacement quote you received from a pest control company or to ask further questions about the service, you can call our office at 1-479-927-6350 completely free of charge. We're willing to discuss treatment options or quotes you received from other companies even if you aren't an existing customer. We offer this service because believe nobody should be fleeced by bad actors in our industry.