How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home This Summer

Bugs are one of the main drawbacks of summer, and getting rid of them can be a real pain. Not only are they annoying, but they can also create problems such as itchy spots, rashes, allergic reactions and infected bites, so it’s best to keep them out of your home as much as possible.  

Bugs like it hot, so there is no real way to avoid the emergence of insects over the warmer months; however, you don’t have to tolerate them living in your house. Here are four top tips to help you bug-proof your home this summer.

Remove Bug-Friendly Hotspots

Although it sometimes feels like bugs come out of nowhere, there are certain habitats they like more than others. For instance, most insects will burrow in firewood, so it’s best to keep this in a shed away from your home. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos, so you should get rid of any buckets or jugs collecting rainwater in your yard. It's also a good idea to keep shrubs well groomed and away from your windows, so it’s not so easy for bugs to get inside your house. If you keep lights on at night, be sure to close your windows so you don’t attract mosquitos or moths.

Keep the Windows and Doors Closed After Rainfall

Although it’s tempting to throw open your windows and doors after a wet spell, this is prime time for bugs to reemerge looking for food. Insects are more likely to enter your home after a patch of rainy weather, so it’s best to keep your windows closed and avoid coming out of the house for an hour or two. It’s also important to address any gaps in your windows and doors, as these create easy entryways for creepy crawlies, especially after a storm. If you’re looking for replacement windows Dallas, you can contact American Window Systems for a quote.

Make Repairs

It sounds obvious, but the best way to keep bugs out of your home is to make it more difficult for them to enter in the first place. Windows, pipes, chimneys and vents should all be inspected regularly and repaired if necessary. You can use caulk to fill in small gaps that create entrances for bugs or provide places for them to hibernate. You may also want to inspect your houseplants for infestations.  

Keep Your Home Clean

Unfortunately, bugs gravitate toward cluttered, dirty spaces, so keeping your house clean will make it seem less attractive to pests. The kitchen is a real problem area for insects like ants and flies, as they will make their way toward crumbs, exposed bins and other uncovered food. Try to keep your food well packaged and your sides and floors clean from crumbs. You should also take your recycling out regularly and avoid open windows near paperwork or stacks of magazines – cockroaches love the smell of paper, so kick the clutter and say goodbye to unwanted guests!