Springtime is a great time of year. The cold bitter weather is tapering off and the hint of summer is just around the corner. Birds are singing in the air, and trees that were once dead are starting to bloom again. Life is springing back after the long winter, which means insects are also crawling back into your life.
How can you prevent bugs coming into your home without needing to call in the experts? Try these five ways to prevent bugs from infesting your home.
Caulk
For any cracks in your home that are smaller than 1/4 in. wide acrylic latex caulk is an inexpensive solution. Check your home inside and out for any cracks or gaps in walls, doorways and the foundation itself. Although the spaces might seem small, remember insects don’t need much room to crawl into your home.
For larger cracks (around 1/4in.-1/2in.) polyurethane caulk is a great option. It’s a little harder to use, but is a great option for sealing out any small pests who could sneak in.
Screens
When the warm spring air starts filling your home you are tempted to open your windows and doors to air out your house. Make sure you have screens in place so bugs can’t fly or crawl in. A 20-mesh or finer screen will do the trick. Don’t forget to examine current screens as well to make sure no tares happened during the long winter.
Foam
Make sure areas around pipes are also sealed properly. According to About.com, “the #1 cause of recurring ants in a home is moist lumber or insulation.” Expanding foam is a great way to solve this problem. It is also a great option for any cracks over ½ inch in size and that are out of view. Foam is a great option, but remember it isn’t aesthetically appealing, so you don’t want to use it where people can easily see it.
Maintain Proper Irrigation Insects and other pests thrive on water filled areas. Make sure you have proper drainage for your yard and home. You don’t want to have puddles of water near your home. This is a great way to get bugs crawling near and in your home.
Cut the Clutter
This might seem like a no brainer, but the more clutter you have the higher chances of infestation occur. Underneath the kitchen sink is a great place for insects to live. It’s dark, can be damp and has tons of places to hide. Make sure your sinks, closets and attack are in tip top shape to keep bugs at bay. 
This guest post is courtesy of Frank Merryman and Houston pest control company Protex Pest Control, who provide pest control Houston, Texas residents since 1978.
