Buzz
How can you prevent bugs from entering your home?
©iStockphoto.com/timsaPicture discovering a cozy, spacious home filled with delicious food — and it's all free for the taking. Wouldn’t you seize the opportunity to settle in?
That’s exactly what an ant (or stinkbug or cricket) does when it finds your home. While it's hard to blame a bug for enjoying a slice of paradise during its short life, you’re not about to hand over the keys. Insects can introduce germs, and a line of ants near your kitchen door isn’t exactly a warm welcome for your guests. They tend to appear in ways that make your visitors and little ones uneasy.
As the saying goes in sports, a strong defense is the best offense. You can prevent invasions by setting up defenses and keeping an eye on activity around your home. Any gap that lets in light or air could be an entryway for bugs. Here are a few quick tips to keep those small spaces sealed tight:
- Seal around window frames, plumbing pipes, dryer vents, and air conditioning units with caulk
- Fix any gaps in the siding and cracks in the mortar
- Install door sweeps at the bottom of doors
- Fit fine mesh screens on windows
How can you prevent these little invaders from entering in the first place? Learn more on the next page.
Natural Insect Repellent
Natural repellents can work wonders both inside and outside your home. Strong-scented plants like mint and rosemary keep insects away, and they can also be used in cooking. Lemongrass and geraniums contain Citronella oil, which is a major insect deterrent.
Combatting pests with their natural predators, a method known as integrated pest management, helps control their numbers. Many common songbirds love eating insects. Attract sparrows, cardinals, and chickadees with suet cakes—certain varieties won’t melt in the heat. Encourage their stay by providing a birdhouse. Don’t mind (within reason) welcoming spiders, bats, and geckos. A single gecko can kill as many bugs as an insecticide treatment.
If you're willing to deal with the pests on your own, mix equal parts borax and sugar and sprinkle it where ants are active. This will eliminate them, but not before they share it with the rest of the colony. A soil type called diatomaceous earth, available at gardening stores, contains tiny shell fragments that physically harm bugs. A mix of liquid dish soap and water will kill box elders and Japanese beetles. Be careful not to spray it on plants, though, as it can harm them too.
Bugs can travel with your pets, even indoor ones. Check your cats and dogs for fleas and ticks — once they enter your home, these pests are notoriously hard to get rid of. Consult your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention treatments before bug season starts. Some treatments, such as pills and topical medications, require early application.
Keep It Tidy
Pick up any crumbs or food scraps that fall onto the floor.
©iStockphoto.com/DenisaTo prevent bugs from invading, limit access to food by maintaining a clean kitchen. Take out the trash often, and wipe down counters after preparing meals. Store food in sealed plastic, metal, or other pest-proof containers. Avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight, as this is when roaches and other nocturnal insects are most active.
Insects are drawn to dark, warm, and damp environments. Prevent these critters from taking refuge by fixing any leaky pipes and clearing blocked gutters. Ensure attics and crawl spaces have proper ventilation. Keep firewood and landscaping bricks stored away from your house. Examine cardboard, wood, and bamboo items, as they can serve as both transportation and food sources for beetles, roaches, and borers.
Looking for more tips on keeping bugs out of your house? There's plenty more on the next page.
