Introducing SANCTUARY DEFENSE: 2-in-1 Insulation & Pest Control
News / 11.11.24

Introducing SANCTUARY DEFENSE: 2-in-1 Insulation & Pest Control

In an evolving construction landscape, contractors and builders face increasing demands for innovative solutions, including insulation, that address functionality and sustainability. With more than 8.3 million homes treated for pests annually, materials that offer robust protection are critical. 

SANCTUARY® DEFENSE, the latest advancement in cellulose insulation, rises to the challenge by combining high-performance thermal insulation with powerful pest control features. Treated with BoraBarrier®, an EPA-registered insecticide, SANCTUARY DEFENSE effectively defends against 25 types of pests1, safeguarding the integrity of the insulation.

This innovative solution empowers insulation contractors and builders to enhance sustainability while adding an extra layer of defense to their clients’ homes. Read on to learn how SANCTUARY DEFENSE can do the same for you. 

The Problem: Traditional Insulation Can Harbor Pests 

As homeowners increasingly prioritize pest control and environmental sustainability, the need for pest-resistant and eco-friendly solutions becomes clear: Recent research indicates that 92% of homeowners desire sustainable improvements to their living spaces, and 63% of professionals have made changes to make their businesses more eco-friendly.

Unfortunately, many traditional insulation products can compromise these goals. For instance, while spray foam insulation is effective for air sealing and insulating, using the material can make it difficult to detect pests. Termites may chew through the foam in search of shelter, and poorly applied insulation can create gaps that serve as entry points for unwanted intruders.

The consequences of pest infestations can be significant.

SANCTUARY DEFENSE is designed to prevent damage caused by common pests such as termites, ants and cockroaches. While it doesn’t guarantee complete pest prevention, the insulation acts as a vital line of defense, maintaining the integrity of the insulation itself. 

SANCTUARY DEFENSE: The All-in-One Insulation for Pest Resistance

Today’s eco-conscious homeowners are not just looking for insulation; they desire eco-friendly products that protect their homes from pests. Equipped with BORABARRIER®, an EPA-registered pesticide, SANCTUARY DEFENSE is formulated for long-lasting protection against common invaders, including:

  • Ants
  • Bat bugs
  • Booklice
  • Boxelder bugs
  • Centipedes
  • Cockroaches (including Florida woods cockroaches)
  • Crickets
  • Darkling beetles
  • Dermestids
  • Earwigs
  • Firebrats
  • Fleas
  • Flies
  • Kudzu bugs
  • Lady beetles
  • Millipedes
  • Mites
  • Pillbugs
  • Silverfish
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Sowbugs
  • Stink bugs
  • Termites (including Formosan)
  • Water bugs

Superior Insulation Benefits

Suitable for both new construction and existing structures, SANCTUARY DEFENSE offers numerous benefits beyond pest control: 

Versatility and Application

Cellulose insulation is highly versatile, making it suitable for multiple residential and commercial applications. It can be installed using blow-in or spray-applied methods, allowing for effective coverage in hard-to-reach areas such as attics, walls and floors. With a coverage area of 48.8 square feet and an R-19 rating, cellulose insulation provides exceptional thermal performance. Furthermore, it’s safe for humans and pets, which contributes to a healthier indoor environment. 

Environmental Impact and Safety

SANCTUARY and SANCTUARY DEFENSE cellulose insulation stand out for their eco-friendly characteristics. As a carbon-negative product, it sequesters more carbon dioxide than is released throughout its life cycle, making it a proactive choice for sustainability. Additionally, its ENERGY STAR certification attests to its superior energy efficiency, confirming that it meets stringent performance and environmental standards. It also meets criteria that are set for the IRA incentives and rebates, helping builders that are building to those standards.

Why Insulation Contractors Should Consider SANCTUARY DEFENSE for Pest Control

For insulation contractors, choosing SANCTUARY DEFENSE means embracing a product that enhances diversified business opportunities while delivering substantial benefits. Need more convincing? Here are a few reasons this insulation should be on your radar:

  • Ease of use: SANCTUARY DEFENSE installation methods are straightforward, allowing for efficient application across various projects.
  • Long-lasting protection: With its pest control features, SANCTUARY DEFENSE provides enduring defense against 25 common household pests. This helps reduce callbacks and enhances customer satisfaction.
  • Superior performance: Offering energy savings and soundproofing alongside pest resistance, SANCTUARY DEFENSE addresses multiple homeowner concerns in one solution.
  • Limited lifetime warranty: The confidence that comes with a limited lifetime warranty reassures contractors and homeowners of SANCTUARY DEFENSE’s durability and effectiveness.
  • Compatibility with new construction and existing buildings: Whether for new builds or retrofits, SANCTUARY DEFENSE seamlessly integrates into diverse insulation projects, making it a versatile choice for contractors.

Ready to enhance your insulation offerings? Contact a Greenfiber sales representative to get your hands on the product. 


1 SANCTUARY® DEFENSE blow-in or spray-applied insulation contains the additive BORABARRIER®. BORABARRIER® is an insecticide registered with the EPA for use in cellulose insulation. BORABARRIER ® is a registered trademark of TopBuild, Inc. SANCTUARY® DEFENSE insulation has been treated with BORABARRIER® to help prevent damage to and infestation of the insulation by certain insect species, including cockroaches, carpenter ants, termites, silverfish, darkling beetles and more. The insulation does not confer insecticide protection outside the insulation. Use of this chemically treated insulation is not a substitute for approved termiticide product to control subterranean termites, which some states may require.

2 In field testing on identical 2x4 exterior wall types, Greenfiber® R-13 Stabilized Spray-Applied Insulation outperforms R-15 unfaced fiberglass batts by 4 NIC raring points, which equates to a 60% reduction in sound power. The weak point in the assembly such as flanking through windows and doors will diminish the value of the reduction in sound power. Reduction in sound power is achieved through retrofitting, dense-packing or spray applying Greenfiber into exterior walls (contractor installation is recommended for these applications). See manufacturer’s installation guide for full details on how to install to meet specifications.

3 Savings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power. Energy analysis of climate zones 1-7 using 2018 IECC reference home comparing R11 attic to DOE recommended attic insulation by climate zone.