| How to Make Your Home Bug Proof | |
| Tip #1: Windows and doors | One of your home’s most ignored locations might also be the most common entry point for flying and crawling pests. Check to see whether your doors are shutting completely; if they aren’t, have them mended as soon as possible.
If the doors are mostly closed but not entirely shut, buy some weather stripping to fill up the half-inch gap that allows bugs in. Bottom door seals are inexpensive and assist in keeping pests out while also reducing drafts. Look for the same flaws in your windows, but pay specific attention to the screens. Run your fingertips over the screen to obtain a good understanding of your window’s structural integrity. |
| Tip #2: Walls | Holes in the walls can develop when the foundation settles no matter how old your house is, causing gaps in the brick and sheetrock large enough for birds to nest. Look for cracks in the corners of closets and visually scan the outside of the house for any brick flaws.
The openings where appliances are connected, particularly in water lines behind the refrigerator and washing machine, are among the most vulnerable places. Pull those units back a foot to get a better look at the wall and, if required, patch it up. |
| Tip #3: Firewood | Store firewood away from home. Even if it’s outside, a firewood stack is a sanctuary for every kind of insect.
Stack your wood away from your house or buy a firewood holder. |
| Tip #4: Clean the kitchen | You don’t have to scrub your kitchen thoroughly every day; the easiest solution is to make sure there’s no food left out for bugs to eat. Cover all of your meals with airtight containers, keep an eye out for spills, wash the dishes in the sink, and check for rotten food that has sat out. |
| Tip #5: Keep your home dry | Water damage is a costly and inconvenient problem to deal with, so make sure none of your pipes are leaking. While significant temperature variations can cause them to fracture, age can also play a role, so be extra cautious if you live in an older home.
Leaking water may lead to mold, which is harmful to your health and can be caused by a hole in the roof, allowing flies and other insects to fly inside undetected. Check the caulk around tubs and showers to ensure that everything is draining correctly. |
| Tip #6: Pets eat separately | Cats and dogs are wonderful pets to have around the house, not just for companionship but also to keep mosquitoes and pests at bay. If you have a pet, make sure to keep their food in a bowl or, at the absolute least, a rubber mat, and never on the floor. Almost all insects are attracted to the crumbs pets leave behind. |
| Tip #7: Clean Up Your Backyard | Remove tree limbs, grass cuttings, bushes, and other junk from your space to restrict their stay. Though they appear harmless, these locations are ideal for bugs searching for a place to call home for a few seasons. |
| Tip #8: Vacuum | While you probably have a weekly cleaning routine, be sure to vacuum your floors at least once a week to get rid of any insects that have infiltrated your home without your knowledge. Cobwebs in the corners, insect droppings, and food crumbs left out to attract bugs can easily be caught by the vacuum, so keep your house clean to avoid attracting them. |
