I am one of those people that just cannot make friends with the bugs in my house. I run into many people in our area that have the same feelings but are at times unable to evict their unwanted host. If you are in this group, the first thing you need to think is -> how are they getting in? Bugs are very sneaky, they get in from just about any size crack, hole, opening, etc. The job of this post is to get your brain working on how you can fix your particular problem.

First, try to determine where they are coming from:

• Are there places is your house’s integrity that are compromised to the point that bugs are getting in - doesn’t take much
• Do you have piles of stuff laying around in your house that do not get moved around much or areas of your house that are not visited often.
• Do you live in an apartment or condo that has a communal attic space or other area that is used by other people.

Bad house integrity is a good way to invite unwanted visitors.  If you have this problem, sealing your house is your solution.  Look for areas around baseboards and trim where a bug could fit under or over (very typical problem for an old house) -> fix these problems with appropriate colored painters caulking.

Repair bad doors and windows with caulking and seals from the hardware store. The doors on a house are notorious for letting in larger bugs like cockroaches and noisy little crickets. Windows usually don’t let too many bugs in unless you are leaving them open – don’t leave your windows open unless you have screens. Remember that if you are caulking your windows, you will be unable to open them during a fire if you use the wrong caulking…I recommend using removable caulk.

If you have large gaps in your wall trim on the exterior or interior of your house, consider using a wood trim to repair it…I usually use either 1/4 inch wood battons or quarter round. This job of course takes some carpentry knowledge but is still fairly easy. **remember you are not limited to your trim use, try to match the look of your house it is supposed to look like it belongs there.

Electrical outlets can also let bugs in. Repair this by either stuffing fiberglass insulation around the box (where the box meets the Sheetrock with the faceplate off – Turn the affected breakers off), or purchasing bug insulators made to fit behind the outlet face plates.

If you have a messy house…Get as much stuff as you can off the floor and vacuum. Then of course clean up and put everything where it belongs, this will eliminate the bug’s house.

Lastly, if you live in a condo or apartment with a communal attic space you can sometimes make a faux wall in the attic with 3/4 inch blue foam purchased from the hardware store. Seal the joints in the insulation with packaging tape and seal around the perimeter with spray foam (if you do not own it you will have to get your landlords approval). If you are sure you are getting bugs from your neighbors apartment it is good to seal everything on the wall that connects your appt. to their appt.

This post is about blocking bugs from getting in…I also believe in spraying, fumigating and baiting for insects but this will be for a later post. If any of you guys has any more tips for keeping bugs out mechanically, please leave a comment.

Thank you for reading,
Luke

Share on Facebook