11 Ways To Insect Proof Your Home From The Outside

Bugs’ are naturally from outdoors. Insects nesting in your home can be a huge problem. We humans need water, food, and shelter to survive, so does the insects. When it comes to finding shelter, insects may consider the inside of your home to take shelter especially during the winter or rainy seasons.

But, of course, insects do not belong inside our homes. One reason is they are quite unsanitary and they may carry contagious diseases. One way to prevent them from staying or sheltering in your home is to look for where they are nesting and immediately get rid of it. Here are other ways to insect-proof your home:

1. Secure any passage.
This is one major step in keeping bugs away for it prevents them from entering your home. Windows, vents, and chimneys are just some of the places bugs can pass through. Make sure to repair any crack or gap in the wall or window screens. Also, seal your doors. Examine your doors carefully and you'll most likely see numbers of gaps, which makes a passage for the bugs. Install a door closer to keep your door closed especially if you have left it open or your kid forgot to close the door properly.

2. Cover large openings.
Fill larger opening with the use of hardware cloth. Hardware cloth is a material you can staple over gaps or holes in order to keep those insects from entering your home. It also keeps squirrels and raccoons from getting in your chimneys or vents and they are also the source of fleas, ticks, and other insects. Make sure your vents’ dampers are operating properly.

3. Keep your eyes peeled.
Once you sight any insect or any sign of insect nests, immediately take action. Check outside to see where the bugs usually hang out. Try to keep branches and shrubs away from your walls by having them trimmed or well groomed so bugs won't have any passage into your home.

4. Store your trash properly.
We usually throw our rotten food in our trash bins without thinking that its scent could attract insects, mainly roaches, and ants. Proper storage of your trash is one way of preventing bugs from feasting on your trash cans. Trash cans should be emptied every night and must have a lid to keep it closed.

5. Clean your home regularly.
Bugs do love a messy place. Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to keep those insects away. Keep your trash cans sealed and vacuum regularly or always sweep the floor to get rid of any food crumbs on the floor.

6. Keep your food sealed.
After hosting or throwing a party at home, you may still have a lot of leftover foods. It’s best that you keep them properly sealed and inside the fridge. We do love to keep fruits on our tables. One is because they do make a nice table centerpiece, but it doesn't mean bugs won't feast on the fruits.

7. Consider natural predators.
Bats are one of the natural predators. They feed on insects especially the small annoying ones. And since they are only awake during the night, you won't even notice them. Same goes for the birds. They also feed on bugs. You can provide trees and some bushes where these predators can nest to.

8. Look out for any water leaks.
It’s best that you keep your home dry. Some insects need water to breed and also for their consumption. Just like the Mosquitos, they lay their eggs on any wet areas and it could start an infestation. Pipes under your sink or in the bathroom can be leaky so make sure you regularly check your pipes and have them repaired if there are any leaks.

9. Install Screens
There are a variety of screens to choose from. Make sure to get the ones that won't easily have holes. Having screens on your window will help you enjoy the feeling of fresh air without worrying about insects getting in. But do make sure to install it properly so you won't create any passage for the insects and regularly check your screens for any holes.

10. Keep your home’s foundations clear.
Your home's foundations are also one of the most common entry spots for bugs. Keep them clear to reduce any infestation. Ants, Spiders, Termites, and fleas are some of the insects that are good at breeding and thriving in wet areas, so make sure to keep your foundations dry at all cost. Regularly check your foundation for any gaps.

11. Maintain your yard.
Your yard is home to tons of different kinds of insects, and you should always keep it maintained. Mosquitoes breed in water. To reduce the mosquitoes population, do eliminate your pool’s water in your yard and keep your pool’s water chlorinated and filtered. It's also important to regularly maintain your gutters and drains.