Keeping insects out of the house may seem like child’s play, while they’re still clumsily bumping into everything. But soon enough, they’ll be making an effortless beeline for any indoor place that attracts them.
They’ll want to come into your house when your lights are on, or when the smell of fruits, flowers or food attracts them. Before this happens, try a little preventative medicine.
Screens
The easiest way to keep bugs out is to have screens (and it’s a lot cheaper and more environmentally friendly than having the air-con blasting all summer).
Single-screen doors can be bought from about $150 to $350 from home supply stores. But if you’re concerned about ruining the look of a lovely front door, consider a screen that can be rolled away when it’s not needed and looks almost invisible when it’s being used. One of the original companies to manufacture a door screen system like this is Phantom, based out of Abbotsford, B.C. And they’re still going strong. Pricing for a screen and installation in Ontario starts at $429 for a single, standard door. (Prices may vary slightly in other provinces because shipping costs vary.)
Other Ways To Keep Bugs Out Of The House
• Fill in all cracks and holes around doors, windows or pipes with caulking.
• Don’t leave unscreened doors or windows open.
• Promptly fix holes in screens.
• Certain herbs or plants are said to deter certain insects. For example, crush and sprinkle bay leaves around the perimeter of a house to deter ants from entering.
• Trim back hedges and trees from the house by about a foot to avoid providing passage to the house.
• To avoid attracting insects with smells, cover all food and beverages. For example, avoid overripe fruit set out on counters and store pet foods in sealed containers.
• Encourage ladybugs, preying mantis, bats and birds as they eat bugs before they enter your house.
– Sylvia Putz is a journalist with an interest in decor and design. She’s written for the TV show Arresting Design; sputz@arrestingdesign.com.
