Tallahassee Fla. — Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) are warning homeowners of potential impacts of polyurethane spray foam insulation (PSFI) on wood destroying organism (WDO) contracts and how these products may affect pest management. Consumers are advised to thoroughly review their pest control contracts and discuss with their pest control company the potential ramifications on existing agreements.
“Your home is often your biggest investment, and homeowners should take every precaution to ensure it is protected. While these alternative foam insulations can provide many benefits, such as energy efficiency, it is important to understand how these products could affect your home’s protection from wood destroying organisms like termites or other pests,” stated Commissioner Fried. “We urge all homeowners to stay informed by inspecting their property and reviewing their existing pest management contracts, so they can take steps to better protecting their homes.”
Background: PSFI is an alternative to traditional building insulation, such as fiberglass. It is a two-component mixture composed of isocyanate and polyol resin, which comes together at the tip of the application tool to form an expanding foam. The foam is sprayed on, into, and under any number of construction features to provide insulation for a building, increasingly found in homes throughout Florida.
Possible Impacts: The global economic impact of termites is estimated to be at $40 billion annually and Florida’s temperate climate a perfect environment for these destructive pests. In homes with PSFI installed, termites have been found to tunnel through wooden structures behind the PSFI or tunnel through the PSFI, sometimes concealing pests and making it difficult to know they are present. The longer termites go unnoticed, the more irreversible damage they can cause to a home. PSFI can also make it challenging to treat infestations if the insulation covers wooden structures.
Preventative Measures: FDACS recommends a termite inspection be conducted prior to having PSFI installed. If termite activity or damage is found, it should be addressed before installation. Homeowners should also have the PSFI applicator discuss installation with their pest control company to see if there is an installation option that would be acceptable for both parties.
Termite Contracts/Warranties: An essential component of any WDO or pest control contract is the inspection. Pest management professionals must visibly see areas of the structure where termites or other pests are likely to be present. When these areas are not visible, evidence of termites or other pests may remain undetected and could ultimately void WDO contracts. Pest Control companies typically include language in contracts regarding the installation of products that prevent visual inspection and may negatively affect or void a termite warranty.
In addition, improperly installed PSFI could create a conducive condition that could affect a contract. If PSFI is installed in direct contact with soil, or near the soil or grade, termites have a readily available entryway into a home as termites are able to tunnel through PSFI. A company must notify a homeowner, in writing, of any property condition that would be the basis for denying responsibility under the contract within 60 days of noting the problem during their inspection, to provide time to make the necessary repairs. If the property owner does not make the repairs within 60 days, the company may deny repair or retreatment according to the contract terms.
Fumigation: Fumigant manufacturers are currently researching the impacts that PSFI has on the fumigation process. The main concern exists when trying to aerate or remove the fumigant from the structure. If the attic space is not adequately ventilated, or the PSFI installation has created a sealed area, it could retain the fumigant and require an extended aeration period. FDACS is monitoring the ongoing research and will work with the industry to address any necessary label or rule changes.
Research is lacking regarding how fumigant gasses interact with PSFI. There are no scientific studies that provide information on using fumigation to control pests found to be infesting building materials covered with PSFI. Thus, some pest control companies will not warranty their treatments when spray foam insulation is present.
Homeowners seeking more information can contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Agricultural Environmental Services at (850)617-7900 or visit FDACS.gov/AES. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state agency responsible for regulating Florida’s pest control industry, which includes over 4,600 pest control companies and 48,000 applicators.
