How To Keep Bugs Out Of Your Home | Bug Proof Your House (4 Common Entry Points)
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- In this video I show you how to keep bugs out of your home and bug proof your house. I will show you some of the most common ways and entry points that bugs and pests are getting into your house and easy DIY solutions to then keep them out. Sometimes insecticide alone is not enough to keep them from getting in.
#bugproofyourhome #howtokeepbugsoutofyourhouse #DIYpestcontrol
If you have had issues with bugs and pests getting into your house, I would love to hear what they were and how you fixed the issue!
Hey, those all sound like great ideas! Thank you for sharing. I am definitely a big believer in the Diatomaceous Earth.
@@HowToHomeDIY what ideas?
Someone had shared what they like to use to keep bugs out. Looks like their account may not exist anymore 😂
@@HowToHomeDIY oh OK lol
I guess I'm kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to watch newly released movies online?
These are the great dads of the internet to help us out haha I love it
Dads unite! 😂 Thanks for watching!
They help us out by making a video we help them out by viewing it and or commenting.
Yes you're one of the first to address sealing ceiling registers. I'm also surprised others don't mention it when addressing bug proofing our homes. You got a thumbs up from me for the humour at the end.
Glad you liked it! Yeah, honestly surprised I have not seen anyone else talk about it. It is a very large entry point. Glad you liked it!
I know this is 4 years old by now but thank you for that last tip. I've been thinking bugs have been coming through either the windows or doors, but I never really considered the vents for some reason. I'll definitely have to check that out. Thanks!
Sir as soon as I have the time, I am completely protected my whole house and also I have like new fears because of you thanks a lot
Sink and bathtub drains too, at least for certain types of bugs in some areas. Taking the small extra step to always pull up the plug on all the drains in my house when I’m not using them has really helped with bugs. I have horrible entomophobia and every little thing counts. Gotta try the vents now, though I’m slightly terrified of what I might find after unscrewing the cover.
Yes unfortunately the drains can have bugs come up through it which is gross in and of itself! Definitely try the vent trick though. Honestly it cut down on my bugs by a lot! Also, if I had to guess, there probably wont be too many of them if any where you remove the cover. Hope this helps! Good luck with the pest prevention!
I would clean them regularly also I am an exterminator and I use bio drain. Helps with drain flys and gnats. Good idea to keep the drains closed too
I'm in a Building Science class and I shared your video in our weekly forum. I know I am definitely going to use the screen in the vent trick. I have these massive cockroaches that people down here in NC call water bugs that I sometimes see come from there so thanks for that tip! Great video.
I just found a giant cockroach in my bathroom ceiling vent. I’ll be on the roof using your tip as soon as it’s light out tomorrow. Thank you so much!!
Sealing up baseboards with caulking to fill in all gaps above and below the baseboard will help prevent insects that live inside the walls from crawling into the inside of your home. A good test is to take a business card and see if you can slide it under the baseboards around your house. If you can slide the card under the baseboard, that is enough of a gap for insects to crawl out from the walls into the house. Caulking will also work as an insulator to prevent cold air from migrating under the baseboards and coming inside. If you don't see a gap , it's still a good idea to apply caulking to the baseboard because gaps will form eventually. We sealed up all baseboards around the house and that took a huge bite out of insect traffic.
Nice! Thanks for the tip Tim!
I have a problem with palmetto bugs and I once saw one run away from me and crawled under the baseboard to get away. I’m about to buy a bunch of caulk to seal EVERYTHING!
I'm on here to find out if I should caulk below baseboards with carpet. I imagine it won't be as good a seal, and would make it a pain to remove the carpet down the road. But this is concrete floor downstairs and lots of weird things get in.
I just moved to Jersey from Brooklyn and I never seen so many weird bugs like these. I see them coming into our home and one hit me on the shoulder I guess falling out from the ceiling fan.
I will definitely see about sealing the cracks/spaces on the door and vents.
Thank you!
Yeah moved to PA from Cali most likely a centipede
That last tip omg! I need to show my dad ASAP, we live in Georgia so the bugs love to intrude in the summer. Thank you!
You are welcome! I am glad you found it helpful! It has really cut down on the amount of bugs that would get in during the summer ever since I started doing it. Without screening it really is a giant hole and tunnel right into the house.
Using a candle to check to see if wind is coming from windows or doors is a quick hack to testing areas of potential risk
Yup, a good trick to use! Thanks!
Oh good idea!
Thank you for this. In GA I've been getting a lot of bugs in my apartment lately and the mesh paper idea may be my saving grace. Thank you for this.
really keeps so many bugs out of my house!
That bathroom vent one is HUGE. No one talks about that, I’m glad you covered that in this video!
Liked and subscribed, I’m freshly moved out of my parents house and this is a life saver in cheap apartments
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the feedback!
I live in a basement apartment and I’m seeing a lot of house centipedes (including little baby ones too) and other little critters. The trim in the basement has some gaps and was wondering if you have any tips on how to seal them renter friendly. Honestly thinking about just purchasing tape and taping the entire trim because I can’t sleep at night because of the bugs!
Yesss I’m in the same predicament
I know this was posted a year ago but in case anyone else was wondering, use caulk to seal the gaps if your landlord allows it!
Caulk up all the little holes, also if the landlord have a yard he or she should keep the grass low and spray the grass with bug killer. Bugs love to hang out in grass and leaves. Also buy a can of bug killer and spray every night
Hey dealing with this now in some states that’s illegal
And if you address the problem of bugs they should do that in the first place. They don’t because they want to be lazy and keep calling exterminators again and again, I didn’t ask my landlord as they are fully aware of the cracks and bug problems for nearly 2 years now refuse to do anything but send exterminators over and over. I had to get the city inspector to come get them to fix mice holes for the whole first year. SO TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT 😊bought my own caulk
Stink bugs and spiders and a few other odd bugs have been getting in. I live right by a forest, moved here a couple years ago. This video will definitely help, thanks. Can’t believe no one talks about the bathroom vents.
Hey brother thanks! Finally a video that shows how to do it step by step.
OMG this is the best video ever... i never thought of doing that with the vents.
In my last apartment I heard some buzzing noises coming from the bathroom ceiling exhaust. Turning on the exhaust fan and spraying bug spray into the vent took care of the problem immediately.
the fly screen on the bathroom vent AMAZING I was stumped to how to prevent bugs coming from the vent thank you
I love putting the caulk to it!! filling up holes and gaps!!
Thanks. 4:00- patio screen to plug vents
So true. Thank you 😃👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
You are welcome. Thank you for the feedback!
Good info, really makes you think about how the bugs are getting in.
They definitely look for and find any opportunity. Thank you for watching!
Great content! Congratulations on the channel and good luck out there!
Thank you very much for the kind words, I really appreciate it!
Huge centipede almost crawled over my foot today. Time to take action -- I see light under the rear door -- not good.
Might be time for a new door seal! Sometimes they can wear down over time or just aren't big enough from the beginning. But if I had a huge centipede about crawl on me, I would definitely be trying to find anything that could have let it in haha But if you are seeing light under your door, then that's probably a good indicator of where it came from. Do you have a pest control company or do you do your own?
@@HowToHomeDIY I do my own mostly but haven't sprayed in months. Better get after it and replace the door seal.
@@lancedyer4870 Ok good, I am sure this won't be any surprise but I think DIY is the way to go. A lot less expensive and can be just as effective. On Thursday I have a video coming out showing what products I use and how I do my own pest control. Be on the lookout for that. We may use some of the same things!
Tip number 4 🤯 thank you
You’re welcome! It has really cut down on the bugs getting in.
hello from the cool colorful sunny ozarks adam! i use my o3 generator once a month to keep all critters at bay and kills any mold,mildew . tight lines and grace be with you and may your channel continue to grow!!
Hey again Phillip! That is a great idea. I actually looked at one of those a few months ago and thought they were pretty interesting and take care of quite a few things. Grace and blessings be with you as well! I look forward to seeing you around here.
Does it work well?
@@indianaajoness yes it does. i use it regulary.
@@phillipmorris1334 ok be cautious as someone told me it is bad for your lungs
@@indianaajoness yes it is. you and the pets must vacate during and wait an hr before entering
The bathroom exhaust is how we get a lot of bugs coming in. I only realized that when I had an earwig drop from it and onto my arm when on the toilet! The also come in the front and back doors because the guy who put the door in did a poor job. Unfortunately, I live in a rental, and my sister resists calling them to fix things 😒
I had the same issue with wasps in bathroom coming from vent. Literally scared the shit out of me and using screens helped tremendously!
underneath the sink, you will notice there might be a hole on the wall right around the pipe. i noticed a lot of crawling bugs coming from there too.
@@wiiiz3 I have the same problem. What did you use to fill the gap?
@@Misabelle I used a spray foam gap filler
I rent a house in the country and it needs work with air duct system, bathroom vents and window seals and doors.... But being a renter and not an owner... Not much I can do. I hate living with so many bugs. I don't mind bugs outside and camping etc .. but it is a bit much inside the home.
Yeah renting does have it's limitations. But you can try to seal off any areas that you see bugs might be getting in. If the seals are bad though I would address these things with the landlord.
This is really smart I love this idea I could really do it to my house
Thanks for all the tips :)
No problem! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!
The last tip is great! Question: is the screen door glued to the vent okay with hot air that’s turned on during winter?
Good tips. Thank you. Good luck with your channel.
You are welcome! Thank you very much!
The last part is what convinced me haha too funny
Hey Elian, I am glad you liked it. The "pests" haven't said much about it haha. All in good fun. Thank you for watching and I look forward to seeing you around!
This was awesome, thank you!
Don’t forget to seal all of the baseboards with a stretchable caulk. I like to use a clear stretchable caulk at the bottom of the baseboards.
Thanks for the help!
Happy to help!
Hello, so we have a problem and i know that caulk would solve some of the problem BUT we also get bugs that come in through our sliding door and obviously we cant caulk that what do you suggest
"Somebody can kill that bug" That was grade A comedy right there
😂 Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback!
family and inlaws part got me
For us they come in through the air intake for the house leading to all of our vents. Should I worry about sealing our intake with the patio nets?
Thx keep then bugs OUT my home out out out 🦋
Great video
Thank you. 🥰🥰🥰🐯
Thanks so much for the video!
My pleasure! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!
Great advice, thanks.
You are welcome. I am glad you liked it.
I always wonder if bugs came through the plumbing vent and the furnace vent both located on roof. I thought about putting a screen on plumbing vent but not furnance vent to prevent blockage of carbon monoxide
Hey, yeah they will definitely try to get in however they can. To touch on the two that you brought up, I would not think they would be able to come in from a plumbing vent due to sinks having traps on them that should be sealed because of water being in them. Also, if you are in a area that freezes in the winter, I might be concerned that the top of the boot where the screen would be put could freeze over. The furnace vent though, I could see how they could let some things in. I have seen that there are some screens made for furnace vents but many complain that they aren't effective due to the holes in the metal mesh being too large. I am sure this is due to your concern as you smartly pointed out, of if the holes were smaller, it could cause blockage issues. Screens are definitely going to reduce air's ability to move. One thing you could try, and it would be some work, is you could remove the registers in each room and glue screen to the underside of them to help stop the bugs from getting into the rooms. Now this could cause a reduction in air movement indoors but I have seen people do this and said it works. Bugs coming in through air vents can definitely be an issue and debate exists as to what is the best way to tackle the issue. I hope this was helpful.
@@HowToHomeDIY thank you for the quick response and I didnt think about the plumbing vent freezing over because of the screen holding up ice build-up. Brilliant point. Thanks again
You're very welcome. Let me know if I can help any further and I will do my best to do so. Thank you for watching!
Question, how do you keep wasps from coming in through a recessed can light in the home? We have that and put paper over it and taped it to the ceiling. Not an attractive or long term solution. Thanks
Well I would first try to find on the outside of the house how they are getting into your attic to begin with.
I have the same problem! Wasps in the summer, lady bugs in the winter…although I much prefer the lady bugs! 😰 Did you find out where the entry point was?
he deserves more subs
Hey David, thank you very much. I will continue plugging away. Thank you again for your kind words and look forward to seeing you around!
Great video and very informative 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!
He reminds of Jake form seet home alabama hihi.
Thanks for the tips sir
Ahh yes, Josh Lucas. Heard this a lot when I was younger during high school and college. Don't hear it as much lately haha. Thank you! And thank you for the feedback.
Thank you!!
crickets come through a crack at the bottom of the wall in my bathroom thats next to the garage. they end up in he bathtub usually. i put a pile of diatomaceous earth there and dont see em any more
Hey Feng, I bet you don't see them anymore, Diatomaceous Earth is a fantastic tool to use against many insects. Thank you for sharing that!
Can you use the screens for the inside vents while your heater is running?
The problem with the vent was something I think we were having at my old apartment, yellow jackets kept getting in and we had no idea where they were coming from.
I had not seen anyone talk about it but that was where a lot of ours were getting in and we couldnt figure out how. Now, no issues in many years.
Kitchen exhaust fan, wasp and bees enter from there, they even get to my kitchen cabinets, making a hive inside
I solved the problem, ordering a special screen,( round metal screen, I say special because is fireproof)
Nice tips thanks
What kind of caulk do you use to fill the cracks on the exterior of the house?
Hey Holly, I typically use silicone caulk as it is less likely to shrink. And depending on where it is I will choose between white and clear in color. I usually get the GE brand tubed silicone. I hope this helps!
GREAT VID. also loved the joke at the end 😆
Can I add peppermint oil to the screen on the vents to help with bugs? Or would that be a fire risk?
thank you, great help...
I had an issue that took me a while to figure out - I had bugs coming in through one of my windows. Visually it looked like the window was closed but it wasn't properly shutting all the way. There was no gap between the frame and the wall. But there was a gap between the two window frames themselves that was not visible from the inside. I just have to lift up on my window when closing it to get it to close all the way.
Had some neighbours move in a few years back and brought silverfish with them. Ugh! But then last year the centipedes moved in and that took care of the silverfish, but I honestly cant deal with the centipedes, they scare me lol.
lol yeah I think I would take the silverfish back 😂 Would definitely be looking into closing off any way that can be seen that they could be coming in. Also, would probably get some insecticide to finish the job!
Loved the joke toward the end.
It has to be the vents… I’ve tried everything. Will get the vent screen this weekend
I have a ton of tiny tiny barely seeable mite type bugs crawling around my unfinished basement. I suspect they came from when a dryer vent was leaking but now they won’t go away and there are tons of them crawling around “not in a group though”. I have no idea what to do :/.
you should absolutely NOT put screening over ANY central air conditioning vents, registers, or return grilles, as any HVAC pro will tell you, this will put undue stress and strain on your air blower. it may not seem like much, but home ventilation is a very tricky thing to get just right, and if you slow the air flow, even by a little bit, it can make your house more muggy, keep it from cooling as well, cause condensation on your ductwork, leading to mold and mildew, and as i mentioned, can damage your central air's blower.
if there are ants coming in thru your central air ducts, then they were not installed properly, as those ducts are supposed to be AIR SEALED with mastic and tape, and insulated at every register and grille. if this was not done, you can always do it yourself, though i realize that nobody likes to go into their crawlspace...
Thanks brother. I like the cut of your jib.
Hey Bubba, been a bit since I have heard that term haha I appreciate the compliment. Thanks for watching, your feedback, and hope to see you around!
And vents, so many bugs can take the vents that aren’t being used when the weather is good directly to any room in the house if they get in.
Hey James, yes you are absolutely right. They can be a big source for bugs getting in. If able it would be ideal to cover the registers inside with some screening so they can't get out of the vent and into the house. This can be a big undertaking though. Thanks for the input!
Is the fourth method okay for me to use with the exhaust of air drier? Or is it possible it can clog up with lint?
Thanks for the tips. I just killed a massive roach at 1am and constantly find frogs and lizards on my front door walk Way.
@How to Home hi can you recommend what those add l around shower drain as I believe all these spiders and crickets are probably coming thru the drain hole
Can I install that screen thing on my ac vents? And register? Would it harm my ac unit in long run or force it?
I know of people that have done that. I would not think it would damage the AC in any way considering you can shut most vents off completely when air is not wanted in the room.
I’m at an awful apt that is structure on a sloping hill in an area that experiences all 4 seasons and recently flooding.
I’ve been going into debt repairing and sealing bc maintenance won’t and my co-signer who helped me get the place keeps insisting I stay the duration of my lease..
I have carpet pulling from the wall bc it was install incorrectly. I was just going to put a ton of sealant here unless you can suggest something else? The other thing is my basement has the exposed ceiling which is common but I constantly see bugs coming from here.. is there anything you can suggest that won’t cost a fortune? Should I just hang a mosquito net across the entire ceiling?😓
I recently purchased a bed canopy so I can sleep better as the firebrats started wondering to the warmth, jumping from the ceiling.. but I haven’t used it bc I’m afraid that when I’m half awake, I’ll lazy open the sides and let them in somehow.. they’re so tiny and fast :[
I currently sleep on a heavily sprayed outdoor teak lounger..
I wanted to even maybe put sticky traps on the ceiling or even bug spray the zippers I don’t know😣
Thank u man
I didn’t even think of the air vents in the bathroom. I bugs coming through the vent for my dryer. Such a nightmare
Useful video!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
garage door cornor.. biggest hole for rodden & bug. other RUclipsr used Acrylic Latex Duct Sealan to seal it.
They will crawl up conduit from the ground to the attic. So look where it is entering you attic and use spray foam, caulk, or 1/16th mesh.
What about pet doors and chimneys are those areas safe? We live a block away from the lake and are frequently visited by water bugs ewwwww can't stand them. Lease is up this December and seriously considering relocating.
Found springtails in my electric sockets!!!
k but im in an ppartment any advice for keeping out bugs?
Ants are coming in our weep holes. What's the best way to stop them.
Yeah that can be a tough one because we can't block off the weep holes with caulk or anything. You could try a pesticide in those areas.
You may also want to look into getting and installing this: amzn.to/3ymajDQ
Omg I do all this. I think my neighbors think I am weird, but I hate to see bugs in the house. I see some spiders in my basement but I spray them and stop up lots of small holes from the outside. Also spray the yard with bug killer.
I have a serious mite problem in my apartment. I picked up an old wooden chest from a garage sale at a really good price, but now I wish I didn't see it. Took it home, stored it in my neighbors garage for only 2 days, Then I cleaned it out best I could and looked awesome. Took it in my pad and a week later I noticed a rather big bruise on my right shoulder. That turned into a scabby mess and day after day I got more and more rashes or bites. I looked like a big time user of Meth. This was back in June of this year, it's now December and I'm still covered in sores. I did go to a walk in clinic and the doc said just put athletes foot cream on the sores. THAT'S IT I wondered. ok did that and two weeks later did it again. Kept getting these dam sores and a weird ass feeling of my skin tightening up in many places. One night i even pulled a bug out of my abdomen, hurt like hell. Next day notice a bump on my thumb, grab tweezers and pulled another bug out too but noticed possibly another in my thumb. 4 hrs later with no luck, I go to the ER, early ass morning holding my thumb as tight as can be because this bug may go back into my body if I let go. The doc comes in and looks and looks at my bump extruding out of my thumb and yells to let go of my thumb, I was hesitant to do that, she yells again to let go, so I finally did just that, pain subsided and doc says I dug pretty deep in my thumb and that was the meat under the flesh I was trying to eradicate. She quickly walks away, nurse says you can go now. WTF, I was thinking. I did mention before about all my other sores that may also be bug inhabited. Guess that's not important enough for this ER doctor to check out. Now sitting at home thinking OMG the only two hospitals around here and they're probably putting into record that I'm a fucking Meth head. So now it's December, facing same dam problem since June. Not able to get medical attention anymore. All I can do is tweezer myself by plucking all these fine hairs all over my body that I know are not my hairs. Sounds crazy, I know, And I can't tell anybody either. Word is I'm a Meth head so who will ever take me serious about this bug shit. I feel my life is over. Any Ideas, ANYBODY ? I take hot baths with no luck, bathed today again but took forever it seemed says my son. 5 razors trashed and came out looking 30 years younger and just hitting the puberty stage in life. Talk about smooth as a babies butt anywhere I touch my body. My son is still staring. Not sure I like his facial expression as it is. That to me is strange to see. Anyhow I need all the advice I can get, anything helpful. I'm a sponge now and will absorb it all, in other words "NEED INPUT". needed to insert a bit of humor to keep my spirits up.
Don't know if you're still dealing with this but make a detailed video showing the bugs, the sores, and especially take video if you end up removing any more bugs. Bring that video to the hospital. If they're not treating a condition that is detrimintal to your health, and they keep refusing treatment, talk to a lawyer.
Also, you migh tnow want to hear this, but it is also possible that you may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Pay very close attention to what the medical staff say. Ask them if they are seeing th ebugs. If they see no signs of these bugs, you may also want to dial 989 for the mental health line and ask how you can get some help as soon as possible.
Try your very best to listen to what people are telling you.
I hope you weren't having a mental health crisis and that the bugs were real and you were able to take care of them. Take care :-)
@@denrico777 i am as sane as i ever can be. and no nothing has got resolved. 😒
Should I just tape every hole/crack in my room
Hey Sus, I probably would not use tape. It really just depends on where your holes/cracks are. I would probably recommend using a latex caulk as it can be painted. If it was in a bathroom I might consider using a silicone caulk. Caulk is just going to be a more permanent solution as opposed to tape and once its sealed with it, you know its closed completely. I hope this helps!
Those exhaust fan are terrible 😔 point of bugs entry, also the kitchen fan vent.
Time go get some money! Subscribed.
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
Cases of drinks esp sodas and sweet juices… those bring bugs in because you buy them at Sam’s or Costco and they are in the shrink wrap
how about the HVAC return and register vents?
Yes absolutely bugs can enter through them. You could also place screen on the inside of most of those vent covers too!
@@HowToHomeDIY thanks! Can it be placed on both the return and register vents?
The base boards and flooring have gaps in my home and we’re getting crickets and spiders, beetles, millipedes caterpillars
Noticed most door seals are damaged and don’t seal all the way through
Yeah any of those gaps could be letting them in, especially the door seals!
help!! attic flies!!!! i know they are coming in through soffit (aluminum) and we did screen it with that mesh but still, they get in! and somehow, get in the house!! i can't figure how yet! i'm suspecting light fixtures and fans! this is driving me nuts! can't be electrical outlets as some of these flies are big! i'm at wits end! i've tried the automatic spray cans in the attic, that only works for so long! i dont care if they're in the attic but i dont want them in here!
Thank you so much this was so helpful I subscribed and liked the video I have some bugs in my room once in a while and we all ways get the out by exterminators but yesterday I had a huge like 3 inch stink bug and it was so gross and I had a nightmare about spiders and I hate bugs please help me with any other tricks thank you.
I would just look for any way they could get into the house or room. Could also be getting in through the vents for the AC/heat. The key is just looking for any cracks or holes inside and out that a bug could come through. Hope this helps! Thank you for the feedback!
I recently converted a garage into an office and put stucco on the sides and a white wooden door , in summers it's a nightmare to get in and out!!! Bugs and flies keep swarming the front door for some damn reason, and at the bottom of the door and on the sidd bricks under the stucco, there's are these little tiny black wood bug??? Wtf do I do! I tried spraying every night but they stick to it and love it
I got little beetles coming into my bathroom through the vent. I was wondering how they got in until one just landed on me while I was baking a loaf
I am telling you, most people do not think of this place and it is probably letting in most of the critters.
Omg, u need to replace that vent cover; it’s all Bent & mangled which could leave a gap & still let bugs get in, and then you defeated the whole purpose of putting a screen on, but also, I need to look into this, myself, but I need the smallest screen possible because mites and fleas would then be able to gain entry, and this is a nightmare because it is happening at my house. Unfortunately, I’m not even sure that there is a screen small enough that will not allow tiny bugs to gain entry. However, it’s not just the outside of the house that needs sealing but the inside, as well.
That’s why I caulk around it.
Can bugs get on through window air conditioner?
What about under the door mine is like 2 inches open under both doors, i recently had mice come in and i also figured what brought them in was my puppy pee n poop pad is by both doors cuz they want to go all over the house so im trying to potty train them but i hear that those smells bring mice
Damn I learn new things everyday
Me too, thank goodness haha