Does Spray Foam Insulation Protect Against Mice?

August 09, 2024

When it comes to creating a comfortable, energy-efficient home, spray foam insulation is increasingly the go-to choice for many Canadian homeowners and homebuilders. At Great Northern Insulation, we’re also commonly asked whether spray foam insulation will also protect against mice and other pests, preventing them from entering a home. The answer, in short, is that spray foam insulation on its own isn’t a preventative measure against mice. However, it has many benefits that can deter pests from entering a home and act as part of a comprehensive approach to pest management.

Let’s look at why 2lb spray foam insulation is an effective preventative measure against mice, and why it isn’t. There are a few points to understand!

Understanding The Mouse Problem

Mice are opportunistic creatures, constantly searching for warm shelter and easy access to food sources. In Canada's climate, our homes become particularly attractive to mice, especially during colder months. Once inside, mice can cause significant damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and even structural materials, not to mention the health risks they pose as carriers of disease.

Does Spray Foam Insulation Stop Mice?

If your home is already experiencing an infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist. When it comes to prevention, however, some of the benefits that make spray foam a popular choice of insulation product can also make it an effective deterrent against mice.

1. Seamless barrier: One of the best ways to prevent mice from entering the home is to properly seal and close gaps, cracks, and holes in the home envelope that allow mice entry. When applied, spray foam expands to fill the area it is being installed in, creating an airtight seal that effectively blocks potential entry points for mice.
2. Unappealing material: Unlike some traditional insulation types, spray foam doesn't provide an attractive nesting material or food source for rodents.
3. Durability: Mice are incessant chewers. Although they can and will gnaw through spray foam insulation, the dense nature of 2lb spray foam is more challenging for mice to chew through compared to softer insulation materials.
4. Air barrier: Spray foam insulation provides an air and vapour barrier, which can prevent smells from inside the house leaking out, attracting mice or other vermin.

The Importance of Professional Installation

As with any spray foam insulation application, it’s important to ensure that it is installed by professionals. Spray foam that has been incorrectly installed or oversprayed outside of the application area can become a pathway or nesting area for mice. Professional installers also have the expertise to ensure full coverage, paying special attention to gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical conduits. Mice can enter a home through a hole the size of a dime, and it’s important to ensure that even small gaps are properly sealed.

A Comprehensive Approach

While spray foam insulation can be an effective tool in deterring mice, it’s not a full solution. Protecting against mice and other rodents requires a comprehensive approach throughout the whole home in addition to cleaning, maintenance, and prevention steps such as:

• Check weather stripping around windows and doors for worn or missing material
• Practice proper food storage and waste management to make the home less enticing
• Patch cracks in the foundation exterior
• Cover attic soffits and vents with metal screening

Is Spray Foam Right For Your Home?

Spray foam insulation offers a multitude of benefits for your home, from superior energy efficiency and improved indoor comfort to potential advantages in pest prevention. While it's not a standalone solution for mice, its unique properties can contribute to a more resilient home envelope.

Ready to explore how spray foam insulation can enhance your home's performance? Contact Great Northern Insulation today for a free assessment and no-obligation quote. Our experts can help you understand the full range of benefits spray foam can offer your specific home, ensuring you make an informed decision for your insulation needs.

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