he arrival of spring after a long harsh winter can make you leap with joy but almost as soon as you step outside you are reminded of the negative side of the beautiful weather… insects. These annoying pests can have you swatting and running back into the safety of your house. That is until they figure out how to get in. That’s why we have compiled a list of strategies to keep bugs out of your home this spring and summer.
Seal Your Doors
You may think that your doors can keep most things out but what about bugs? Take a look at all of your doors. You may have to get on your hands and knees to check for gaps. If you can see daylight on the other side then this will be an easy point of entry for insects. To eliminate the chances of insects invading your home, install a nylon door sweep. A door sweep covers the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold, effectively sealing up any gaps and preventing entry for bugs. Door sweeps can be purchased at most hardware stores and are a snap to install.
Check or Install Screens
Screens were invented for a reason, to keep bugs out while still being able to keep your doors and windows open to enjoy a summer breeze. If you have children then you probably have to contend with a door being left open. Installing a screen door that shuts automatically can reduce the chances of opportunistic insects looking for easy entry to your home. Also, be sure to check your existing screens for rips or tears where insects can sneak through.
Seal Up Cracks
Insects come in many sizes and can fit in any sized cracks. To prevent intrusion be sure to check the perimeter of your house. Seal up foundation cracks with cement and arm yourself with a caulk gun. Reseal caulk around windows and door frames for extra protection. Check your trim for rotting wood and make sure your screens on the attic vents are intact.
Clean Up The Outside of Your Home
Often times we don’t realize that our lack of yard maintenance can actually increase the chances of insects getting into our homes. Insects thrive and breed in damp areas such as leaf piles, mulch, grass clippings, and wood piles. Make sure to clean up debris from around the foundation of your house and always store firewood away from your house. Firewood is one of the most common ways insects hitch a ride into our homes so you should never store wood inside your house unless you plan on burning it immediately.
Don’t Invite Bugs In
Bugs enjoy food as much as we do. That’s why it’s important to practice good hygiene habits and clean up after ourselves. Leaving food out for too long or leaving dirty dishes in the sink because it’s someone else’s turn to do them can have a “Night of the Living Insect” effect on your house. Don’t give bugs a reason to look for a way into your house, clean up after yourself. Store cereal in airtight containers and store unsealed food in the refrigerator. Wipe up crumbs or spills quickly and wash dishes after use.
Hire a Pest Control Service
If you are tired of battling the armies of insects inside or outside your home then you need professional pest control from Cramer Pest Control. We have the skills and experience to tackle any bug problem you may be experiencing.
Just give us a call at (704) 763-0204 (North Carolina), (803) 802-7540 (South Carolina) or leave a message on our sire and we will have one of our trained technicians come out and inspect your situation.