Just like us, bugs need food, water and shelter. Unfortunately, sometimes that means making themselves at home in our space. Once they’re inside, getting rid of them can be difficult (and expensive). Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of bugs and other pests from entering your home, and we here at Window World of New Orleans have some pro tips to share.
There are a number of reasons why bugs may be attracted to your home. Crumbs, uncovered food or a full garbage bin are usually to blame for bringing bugs inside. Humid environments or proximity to buggy habitats, like trees and grassy areas, may also attract insects into your home.
Damage to window and door frames provides easy access for bugs seeking food and shelter. By ensuring your windows and doors are correctly installed and properly sealed, bugs and other pests will have a harder time making their way inside your home.
Although major sealing jobs are usually handled by professionals, quick repairs using caulk can help address your bug problem. To correctly seal your windows and doors, follow these steps.
Thoroughly inspect windows, doors and other potential entrances for damage. This should be done annually during your routine home inspection, but if your bug sightings are increasing, you may want to inspect your exterior products more frequently. If you can easily see significant damage on your windows, it’s time to call the professionals for replacement windows or doors.
Any exterior damage on or surrounding window or door frames creates an avenue for bugs to enter your home. Take note of each crack, hole or gap that you see while inspecting the perimeter of your home. Each of these areas should be inspected further and repaired if needed. These small repairs could be enough to block bugs from entering your home.
Using caulk to seal damaged areas can stop insects from entering your home through an easily accessible entry point. We recommend investing in a quality caulk gun. After purchasing your materials, clean and dry the area before applying caulk. Apply the caulk to damaged spaces around your window or door frame. Be careful, moveable joints on frames are crucial for opening and closing—don’t caulk over these areas! Smooth the new caulk with a caulking tool to clean up lines and create an even surface. For even more protection against bugs, install door sweeps and weather stripping.
There may be a time when sealing foundational cracks won’t be enough. Window and door frames experience wear and tear over time and eventually need to be replaced. If you think it may be time for a replacement, a professional assessment of your doors and windows from Window World of New Orleans can help determine when it’s time for an upgrade and provide you with options.
Window World of New Orleans’s high-quality replacement windows or doors will insulate your home from harsh temperatures and unwanted pests! Contact us today to learn more about our selection of custom replacement, energy-efficient options and find the best fit for your home!