We all shudder at the thought of insects entering our home. No one likes to deal with them but sometimes we are left with no option. These rodents, cockroaches, or spiders always pave their way in, especially when a seasonal change is around the corner.
Hence, it becomes utmost critical to keep bugs out of the house as they tend to create unsanitary hazards. Not to forget, they are equally annoying with their constant buzz and itching bites.
So how do you really prevent their invasion inside the home without any harsh chemicals? As it turns out, these organisms are entering your house for primarily two reasons, first is food and second is water.
Many times these bugs are also looking out for shelter during the cold season. Instead of providing shelter, we must engage in removing these unwanted guests from the home. This blog post will cover eight proven ways to keep the bugs out.
Eight Ways to Bug-Proof Your Home
1. Keep a Clean House
The key to a healthy and bug-free home is to keep it squeaky clean. From rodents to roaches, these insects are always on the lookout for spilled food and trash. You might be keeping your home clean but with these insects, you have to bring your best foot forward. There are many ways you can keep your home bug-free and clean. Here’s how you can do it:
- Store the food in an airtight container and ingredients like flour and baking soda in cabinets.
- If there’s any spillage or crumbs on the floor or table, wipe it off using a cleaner.
- Fix the leaky faucets.
- Put up flowers and plants that repel bees, mosquitoes, and flies from your home.
2. Seal Your Doors
If you scan your entranceways and other doors carefully, you will be surprised to see unsealed gaps which makes it easier for the bugs to get in. One of the best ways to seal the doors is by installing a sturdy threshold under the door. We highly recommend you opt for a steel or aluminum one that is easily available at the hardware stores.
Additionally, you can utilize ready-to-door seal kits and frame them along the sides or top of the door. All of these tools or kits can be available at a local home improvement store.
3. Repair Cracks
Many bugs are microscopic in size which makes it easy for them to enter through cracks or holes. It’s almost impossible for you to notice it. If a pencil can pass through a hole or crack then there are high stakes for the mouse to fit in and get inside your home. Likewise, it holds for all other insects.
Therefore, repairing and sealing the cracks in your home’s exterior and interior will keep the bugs away. To start with, examine rotted bricks and holes which have caused cracks in ceilings. To resolve it, you can use mortar or cement for patchwork. If there are any damaged bricks, replace them with clean and new ones. Fill it in with mortar and seek an expert’s guidance if you are unsure about the next steps.
4. Store Trash Properly
Trash can easily attract insects inside your home. As a result, keep your kitchen trash covered with a tight lid. Segregate the dry and wet waste. Empty the can every day and sanitize it especially if they are exposed to spills and waste.
5. Eliminate Areas of Stagnant Water
If there are any stagnant water areas then eliminate them. Mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in water. So empty all the buckets, or other places where the water builds up. This will prevent diseases like Malaria from spreading.
6. Keep the Outside Free of Debris
Compost bins, trash cans, and yard waste are the ideal places for the bugs to hide. Eventually, the bugs are in the house. Ensure that this type of debris stays away from your home. Regularly keep trimming your plant branches and check that there’s no waterlog as it could bring a lot of bugs and insects.
7. Keep Foundations Clear
Your home’s foundation part is the easiest way for the bugs to get inside your home. Insects like termites and ants are good at breeding, especially in wet areas. Therefore check the foundation of your home and keep the moisture away. Check if there are any gaps below the flooring and on the side row. If you catch any then use caulk or foam to fill the space.
There are many different products on the market to keep mosquitoes from getting in the way of time outside. Put Citronella candles and lanterns that contain allethrin around your yard--far from children's reach. It also helps to set up a fan outside because mosquitoes tend to stay clear of moving air.
8. Apply Insect Repellent
There are various insect repellents available in the market that can help you to keep bugs out of the house. Find the ones that are not allergic to you and do not suffocate you. These repellents can be applied on their own or you can consult a specialist who will advise you after assessing the insect situation at your home.
Common House Bugs to Watch Out For:
Ants
Ants always find their way to get bits and crumbs of the food.
Cockroaches
An unclean home or logged-up places will bring cockroaches moving in.
Earwigs
Usually, earwigs are not likely to enter your home because their food choices involve plants and other insects.
Flies
Flies are annoying and ruin indoor time. It can carry diseases as well.
House Centipedes
Centipedes are one of the most common and scary bugs on the list. If there are any floor drains then lock them or get in touch with an expert for the solution.
Spiders
Spiders are great for gardens as they eat harmful insects and plants. But they are not welcomed within.
Final Thoughts
It’s good to be proactive about cleanliness and keep your family safe from insects. Follow the above tips and set up a sanitation regime to prevent the insect gateway inside your home sweet home. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with a professional who will evaluate the bug situation and then provide further guidance.
