Pests and insects can squeeze their way into your home through the most minuscule of openings. One of the most successful pest prevention tips is to literally seal off your property from pests. This is best done using caulk. Found for a good price at your local hardware or grocery store, caulk comes in a tube and is a substance used to seal joints, cracks, and seams in or around your property. When it comes to pest control, caulk is a useful way to help seal the tiny gaps through which ants and other insects will easily make their way into your home. With pest season on its way, now is the perfect time to implement this easy, DIY pest control tip. Keep reading to learn how to pest-proof your home with caulk.
How to Seal Your Home From Pests
Before doing anything, a thorough inspection of your property is essential to determining the spots you need to treat. Look at your window and door frames from both inside and outside, as well as your baseboards, crown molding, and more. If you have major issues with your door or window frames, you may consider replacing them entirely. Weatherstripping is also a solution for bigger gaps. However, caulk is best for small, easy-to-fix holes to keep pests out.
4 Steps to Using Caulk for Pests
Using caulk to pest-proof your home is a quick trick you can do every year to lessen the chances of an infestation. Here’s how:
- Choose the correct caulk. When you get to your store, you’ll notice several types of caulk. In general, silicone caulk is the most commonly used caulk for this purpose as it is resistant to moisture. It’s also a low-cost option. If necessary, purchase a caulking gun as well.
- Thoroughly clean the area. Before you apply any caulk, make sure to clean any areas you will be applying caulk to. This includes removing any old caulking, old paint, dirt, and anything else that could jeopardize the adhesion of the new caulk.
- Apply the caulk. When applying caulk, begin in one corner of the crack or gap and tilt the applicator at a 45-degree angle. Steadily apply the caulk in a smooth, slow line while applying steady pressure.
- Let the caulk dry. If needed, smooth any bumps or fill any gaps with a small spoon. Remove any excess caulking. For best results, let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours.
Caulking for Pest Prevention
Applying caulk to seal your windows and doors can go a long way to prevent pests. Ants, beetles, and other small bugs will be forced to look elsewhere if they are denied access to your home in the first place! To learn more about using caulk to pest-proof your home or other best practices for pest prevention, contact the experts at Anderson Pest Solutions today.
