How to Keep the Outside of the House Free of Bugs

Eliminating bugs from the outside of the home requires prevention more than extermination.

It's common to find bugs around the outside of your home as soon as spring or summer shows its sunny face. Rising temperatures and blossoming plants are a natural draw for bugs. Bugs can become a big problem as their numbers increase throughout the summer months; some of them may enter the home, as well. Taking a few preventative measures will make the outside of your home less desirable to bugs.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Copper mesh
• Screwdriver
• Sprayable foam

Instructions

1. Remove moisture and mulch away from the outside of the house. Moisture attracts bugs.

2. Move bushes and shrubs, as well as any other plants, from the outside of the home.

3. Trim tree limbs so that they do not touch the side of the house or the roof.

4. Poke the wood around your home with a screwdriver to check for rotting and moisture. Replace any wood that is rotted out or moist to prevent bugs.

5. Inspect the foundation and siding for cracks that house bugs. Poke copper mesh into the cracks using a screwdriver. Seal the gaps with sprayable foam, available from most hardware stores.

References

• EPA: Preventing Pests at Home
• The Family Handyman: How to Keep Pests Out of Your House
• University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service; Managing Pests Around the Home