Is There a Spray Foam that Rats Won’t Eat?

Yes, closed-cell spray foam. There’s a good reason why closed-cell spray foam is less appetizing to rats. Moreover, it doesn’t give them any nutritional value.

Closed-cell foam doesn’t provide rodents with a warm nesting environment as softer materials like fiberglass or cellulose would. Furthermore, it does not contain any edible materials that may entice them.

Its durability ensures any potential entry points are properly sealed, preventing easy access to pests. While no material is completely impervious to rats according to Star Spray Foam, closed-cell spray foam presents a durable, effective barrier that protects both insulation and pest control.

What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a smart, efficient solution for sealing and insulating nearly every part of a home. Its primary focus is to increase energy performance. Plus, it serves to deter unwanted guests such as rodents.

It’s a material that has received a lot of buzz lately, as it fills the gaps in access points and offers durable, long-lasting protection.

Are There Rodent-Resistant Spray Foams?

Excellent energy efficiency is one of the biggest advantages of spray foam insulation, but homeowners frequently ask us if spray foam can keep out rodents. Tomcat® Rodent Block Expanding Foam Barrier employs an advanced proprietary formula. These materials do an adequate job of keeping mice and rats out.

These foams are specially designed to seal up access points, but to include additives that deter rodents from chewing through.

Materials Used in Rodent-Resistant Foams

Rodent-resistant foams utilize unique ingredients and structures to keep pests away. Tomcat® Rodent Block uses a patented formulation of ingredients that rodents find offensive. This patented design greatly decreases the likelihood of damage from these pests.

This material is made with a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent. It makes an eco-friendly choice with zero ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential of only 1. This way, they can be environmentally friendly while still taking care of a pest problem.

Spray foams like this naturally tend to focus on areas like cracks, crevices, attics, basements, and garages. They do a great job of sealing potential entry points.

Effectiveness of Rodent-Resistant Spray Foams

When installed properly, rodent-resistant spray foams offer tough, long-lasting barriers. For optimal performance, Tomcat® Rodent Block should be applied when temperatures are between 60 to 90°F, allowing for proper adhesion and expansion.

During cold-weather months rodents are attracted to warmth found in roofs and attics, so these foams are especially useful in helping seal gaps to prevent entry. Though no material is completely chew-proof, rodent-deterrent formulas go a long way in minimizing the chances of intrusion.

Limitations of Rodent-Resistant Options

These foams are very effective indeed, but not a silver bullet. For the most stubborn rodent infestations, further action such as traps or pest control technicians would, of course, be useful as well.

Proper sealing and regular inspections are your best defense against unwanted rodent guests.

5 Ways to Prevent Rats From Eating Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is a smart solution to fill gaps and cracks, making your home more energy efficient. It is not completely protected from rodent destruction.

Rats will chew through open spray foam if other exclusion techniques are not being used. Here’s how to both reinforce your insulation from unwelcome rodents and keep them away for good.

1. Seal Entry Points Effectively

The best place to start is by preventing access in the first place. Rats commonly get in through openings around pipes, electrical lines, or small fissures in walls.

Closed-cell spray foam is particularly well-suited for this, as it is less vulnerable to chewing compared to open-cell foam.

By proactively inspecting every six months, you’ll be able to identify and seal new gaps before rodents gain access. In one New York City example, closed-cell foam cut mouse complaints 60% within six months.

2. Use Rodent-Deterrent Additives

Many spray foams already incorporate chewing-rodent-repellent additives that prevent chewing. These products provide another level of defense. When you pair this foam with complete rodent sealing, you’ll make sure that rodents will not be attracted to your insulation.

3. Reinforce Spray Foam With Hard Barriers

Pressure treat or reinforce foam in areas likely to see activity, such as basements or attics. Reinforce with thick materials like metal mesh or hardware cloth. These dense barriers stop rodents from entirely chewing on and through the foam.

4. Maintain a Clean Environment

Keeping a clean house helps prevent infestations. Eliminate food sources. Clean up food waste, tightly seal garbage containers, and eliminate clutter and debris around your home where rodents may nest.

This is an ideal companion to spray foam insulation as it clears the path of attracting rodents in the first place.

5. Use Traps or Repellents Strategically

Traps and ultrasonic repellents set up around entry points or along common travel paths will help ensure that your insulation remains undamaged. Pair these tools with proactive maintenance to help your home stay rat-free.

Tips for Long-Term Rodent Prevention

Long-term rodent prevention takes a mix of good insulation, maintenance, and home wisdom.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation provides a robust barrier that prevents pests from entering. There are steps you can take to improve pest control treatment and protect your home from uninvited pests.

Inspect for Damage Regularly

The openings around your premises can easily permit entry to rodents. Ideally, biannual inspections will enable the identification and rectification of these vulnerable spots, especially in the attic, garage, basement, and foundation.

Things such as a Tomcat Rodent Block Expanding Foam Barrier might help seal the gaps and make sure that rodents are not allowed entry.

It is also good to check with an expert about the insulation every few years since it makes the insulation work efficiently.

A 2019 investigation by the Berkeley campus of the University of California, USA, indicated that homes with closed-cell spray foam showed a decrease in rodent activity going over 85 percent, further proving the efficiency of rodent prevention.

Store Food and Waste Properly

Food waste is a huge attractant for rodents and access is a big factor. Keep pet food, birdseed, and pantry items stored in rodent-proof, airtight containers.

Remove garbage quickly, making sure any outdoor trashcans have secure lids. By eliminating sources of food, rodents will be discouraged from sticking around or trying to get into your home.

Trim Vegetation Near Structures

Excessive landscaping obstructs vision and creates cover for rodents while giving them direct routes to your building. Cut tree branches and shrubs back 3 feet from your home.

This reduces access points to roofs or attics, particularly in the winter months when rodents are looking for warmth.

Opt For Closed-Cell Spray Foam

Closed-cell spray foam insulation will provide a level of energy efficiency for your house but will not eliminate the entry of rats. The use of closed-cell spray foam with repellents may lessen the risk.

A barrier for protection of entryways, food source removals, and traps will further protect your dwelling. Regular inspections and services are also of great help in the continued absence of pests.

Combining insulation with prevention strategies is the best way to ensure success. Consider consulting a local expert, like Star Spray Foam, who understands conditions in New Orleans, and coordinate with a pest control professional for customized solutions.