Keep Bugs Out of Your Windows

Sacramento is starting to heat up, and there’s nothing like a fresh breeze in your home to make you feel alive after a long winter.

Unfortunately, bugs and critters invading your home can spoil that springtime mood. So, we’ve put together the best window maintenance tips to help you keep out the bugs and critters.

Invest in Window Screens or Patch Up the Windows Screens You Have Already

Whether your windows are located in the basement or upstairs, it’s always a good idea to have screens installed.

Most window screens are created from a mesh material that allows air to flow freely through the screen while keeping insects out, perfect for ventilating your home while keeping bugs out of windows.

If you have screens already, but they’ve started to fray or tear at the edges, fixing them is pretty simple. You can fix tears and holes with a repair kit purchased at your local hardware store, but if you have a window screen with bent frames or missing parts, it may be easier to replace the entire screen.

The cost of installing window screens depends on the number of windows in your home and the size and type of screen you choose. If in doubt about your windows, contact window professionals who’ll advise you on the best screens for your needs.

Keep Bugs Your of Your Windows by Rubbing Citronella Oil on the Outside

Citronella oil comes from a plant, the citronella plant, native to Asia and South America. Citronella oil is part of the citrus family, including other bug-deterring plants like lemongrass, orange peel, and lime.

Mosquitoes hate the smell of citronella, so they naturally steer clear of it. To harness its powers, rub some citronella oil on the outside of your windowsills.

You can also dab some oil on your skin during warm weather months to protect yourself from bug bites. But be careful if you have pets — citronella is harmful to cats and dogs.

Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy

Bugs love damp places. Make sure there’s adequate drainage in your yard, so it doesn’t get too wet or stay soggy. Remove any debris, old plants, or other materials that could attract insects and small animals.

If there is standing water on your property, it could be attracting insects like mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need very little water to breed, which means that even small puddles or leaky pipes can become breeding grounds for these pests.

Set Ant Traps to Keep Bugs Out of Your Windows

Ants are a common spring and summer pest that can enter your home searching for food and water.

There are several ways you can control an ant attack.  The most common way is to use ant traps. You can use either liquid or solid baits. Liquid baits contain sugar water that attracts ants. Once ingested, the ants leave a pheromone trail back to the colony, eliminating it over time. Solid baits contain insecticides that kill the ants once they consume the bait, often bringing it back to the colony as well.

Placing ant traps outside your windows can prevent the problems before they become pests indoors.

Spray Insect Repellent Around Your Window

There are a few products available that you can use to spray around your window. If you have a can of bug spray around your house, try spraying it around the edges of the window and any corners where bugs might enter.

If you have screens on your windows, you can also spray insect repellent around those.

A quick word of caution. Use insect repellent with care. Some contain harmful chemicals and can trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory illnesses. You may prefer to use a DEET-free bug repellent or opt for a more natural-based repellant instead.

Carry Out Regular Window Maintenance

Seal up any cracks or holes around your window frames to keep bugs from getting in and the cool air from your air conditioning from escaping.

Patch any holes around the window frame with caulk or expanding foam. If there are cracks around the edges, use a caulking gun to fill them in.

Make sure there isn’t any rotting wood around the window frame. That’s another way bugs can get inside. You’ll want to replace any rotting wood with new wood, seal it with caulking, prime it and paint it to make sure it’s water-tight. When you notice any wood or structural damage, it’s best to call in a professional.

Any sort of window repair should be left to someone who knows what they’re doing. Windows are an essential part of your home’s structure and can be easily damaged by an attempted DIY.

Carrying out regular window maintenance ensures everything remains sealed up and keeps bugs out of windows.

Plant Some Greenery That’ll Keep Bugs Away

A fun way to keep bugs away from your windows and home is to plant some greenery.

Certain plants and herbs repel insects and placing them near your windows, or in window planter boxes, can keep bugs out of windows.

For example, basil is a natural bug repellent. You can plant basil in your garden or grow it yourself indoors in a pot. And basil comes with an added bonus — you can use it as a fresh herb in your cooking.

It’s important to keep in mind that holes and gaps in your windows can lead to more than a pest problem. Drafty windows can make you lose up to 30% of your treated air. Which forces your HVAC system to work harder and in turn, makes your energy bill higher.

If your windows look tired, click here to schedule an appointment with Bell Brothers, and prevent bugs from becoming a pest in your home this summer.