Just like us, bugs need food, water and shelter. Unfortunately, sometimes that means making themselves at home in our space. Once they’re inside, getting rid of them can be difficult (and expensive). Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of bugs and other pests from entering your home, and we here at Window World of Lafayette have some pro tips to share.
There are a number of reasons why bugs may be attracted to your home. Crumbs, uncovered food or a full garbage bin are usually to blame for bringing bugs inside. Humid environments or proximity to buggy habitats, like trees and grassy areas, may also attract insects into your home.
Damage to window and door frames provides easy access for bugs seeking food and shelter. By ensuring your windows and doors are correctly installed and properly sealed, bugs and other pests will have a harder time making their way inside your home.
Although major sealing jobs are usually handled by professionals, quick repairs using caulk can help address your bug problem. To correctly seal your windows and doors, follow these steps.
Thoroughly inspect windows, doors and other potential entrances for damage. This should be done annually during your routine home inspection, but if your bug sightings are increasing, you may want to inspect your exterior products more frequently.
Any exterior damage on or surrounding window or door frames creates an avenue for bugs to enter your home. Take note of each crack, hole or gap that you see while inspecting the perimeter of your home.
Invest in a quality caulk gun. After purchasing your materials, clean and dry the area before applying caulk. Apply the caulk to damaged spaces around your window or door frame. Be careful, moveable joints on frames are crucial for opening and closing—don’t caulk over these areas! Smooth the new caulk with a caulking tool to clean up lines and create an even surface. For even more protection against bugs, install door sweeps and weather stripping.
Holes or tears in window screens are invitations for bugs to enter your home, especially if you open your windows often. Repairing these tears will allow window screens to perform their intended functions, letting you enjoy fresh air without the accompanying insects. If the tear is small, you may be able to repair it with a replacement screen patch. If there are multiple tears or a large hole, replacing the screen entirely is your best bet.
If insects are still interested in your home with fully intact window screens, an extra layer of deterrent may be needed. A good insect repellent is worth its weight in gold. Spray on the screen and at the corners of your windows to keep bugs away. Citronella oil also works well for this—you’ll need to rub it into the screen itself. Be careful if any of your family members have asthma or respiratory conditions, though, and use all-natural repellants to be safe.
Birds are nature’s way of keeping insects in check. Where you see a household pest, birds see a meal. Placing a bird feeder near (but not on) common insect entry points can keep birds close at hand, discouraging insects. Plus, you’ll gain friendly neighbors you can watch flit around your yard. Be careful not to use a window feeder, though, as this may worsen the problem of household pests sneaking into your house. If there is a tree near your windows, that’s the perfect spot.
There may be a time when sealing foundational cracks won’t be enough. Window and door frames experience wear and tear over time and eventually need to be replaced. If you think it may be time for a replacement window or door, a professional assessment of your doors and windows from Window World of Lafayette can help determine when it’s time for an upgrade and provide you with options.
Window World’s high-quality replacement windows or doors will insulate your home from harsh temperatures and unwanted pests! Contact us today to learn more about our selection of custom replacement, energy-efficient options and find the best fit for your home!