Keep the bugs out of your home

The winter chill affects all living things and kills most insects or forces them to become dormant. Now that warm weather is back, the bugs are out in force, and these creepy-crawleys would love to set up shop inside your house. While most bugs are harmless, some can cause real issue for your home. Termites, for example, chew through wood, and can cause structural damage that will get noticed during your next home inspection. Follow these tips to keep your home bug free as spring takes hold:

Check your screens

This is a simple solution but also one of the most effective. The screens that cover your open windows are an incredibly effective deterrent against insects. Unfortunately, even a small hole can render them practically useless, so it's worth checking the screens around your home regularly. Ensure that the screens are properly seated inside the window frames and check for any gashes or holes that will let critters through. 

Fix leaks

Many people don't realize how important water is to bugs. While certain species, like cockroaches, are commonly associated with scraps and food crumbs, water can be equally attractive to these tiny monsters. In fact, pest control specialists Orkin noted that cockroaches can go much longer without food than without water. To deprive cockroaches and other bugs of this essential nutrient, fix any leaks or drips you find in your home. Even the condensation that forms on pipes offers enough water for a cockroach, so consider sleeving pipes that regularly become covered in condensation. 

Clean up everything

While drips are attractive to bugs, food is one of the biggest draws. A clean home is less attractive to insects, both because it removes the tiny food crumbs they feast on and because it eliminates the hiding spots they call home. Regularly vacuuming and tidying up makes your home less hospitable to invaders.

Grab some natural solutions

There are a variety of natural, non-toxic substances that can repel bugs. If you need to get rid of ants, spread coffee grounds along their pathways. To limit encroaching spiders, grab some vinegar. These are just a few of the time-tested natural remedies that many people use to keep their homes pest free. These options are excellent if you have small children or pets in the house and need to limit your use of dangerous chemicals. 

Seal your doorways

The rubber tubing that sits inside your doorjamb is a useful draft deterrent and also creates a tight seal that insects can't penetrate. Be sure to check this rubber regularly. The seal can age over time and create tiny gaps that are perfectly sized for a bug to slip through. 

Look up

It's easy to forget that bugs can come from above as well as below. As you check your home for potential entry points, don't forget about the attic and other areas at the top of your house. Check the seal around these windows and make sure that any exterior vents are fitted with screens.