How To Stop Bugs From Coming Under The Door

Are you trying your best to keep insects from entering your home but they still manage find a way to sneak in? Maybe you have closed all the doors and windows, kept the house clean, and made every attempt to stop this from happening, yet there’s no solution that works.

So, how do these little critters keep finding a way in?

One very likely possibility is that the bugs are coming in through the door. Sometimes, simply closing the door is not enough. So, what can you do about it?

Sealing your door using a door sweep or anti-insect screen, weather stripping, and natural remedies like vinegar and plants can help you stop bugs from entering through the door. Having your home treated by a professional pest controller is also an option.

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Methods To Stop Bugs From Coming Under Your Door

Use An Anti-Insect Door Screen

If you want to keep your windows and doors open and allow for ventilation and cool breeze to come in, an anti-insect door screen provides a reliable solution. You can stop insects and bugs from entering without having to close your door. 

The screen is usually made from a fine mesh material that acts as a barrier for small insects. For best results, choose a 20-mesh screen. The screen installation process is usually quite easy. 

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is another effective way to cover the gaps between a door and its frame. If you already have weather stripping fitted and it doesn’t seem to be effective, it might have worn out and need to be replaced.

You can apply the weather stripping yourself by using an adhesive-backed foam that sticks with pressure. Simply press down the foam on the edges of the door to stick it. When your door is shut, even air won’t be able to enter through the gaps. This makes weather stripping an ideal choice for insulation as well. 

You can also opt for metal-based weather stripping if you’re looking for a more durable solution. However, you might need a professional to attach this type of weather stripping.

In both cases, the weather stripping will be a reliable deterrent for stopping insects and bugs from entering through the door, specifically from its long vertical sides. 

Door Sweep

If you want a barrier that can be added to the bottom of your door, consider adding a door sweep. This is a cheap device that can easily be found in most hardware stores. It works by covering the gap between the door bottom and threshold. 

For the best protection against insects and bugs, a nylon brush sweep works better than vinyl or neoprene ones. 

The benefit of a door sweep is that it also allows air to come in so you don’t have to compromise on air quality.

Door Closer

Keeping the door closed is important for most of these techniques to work. One way to ensure that the door stays closed is using an automatic door closer. This is a useful device, especially if you have younger kids. It works using a hydraulic mechanism that automatically closes the door after it was opened. 

Door closers are usually not very expensive and can be found in hardware and home improvement stores. Anyone can install this tool easily, using a few basic tools. This is our preferred choice.

Vinegar Repellent

If you’re looking for a simple home remedy to repel insects and bugs, you should consider using vinegar. It works as a repellent as most bugs hate its scent. Most daytime and night-time bugs, as well as flying and crawling insects simply can’t stand the acidic odor of vinegar. Using pure vinegar is the best option as it is the most odorous.

Simply use some cooking vinegar and water to make your own insect repellent at home. Mix equal portions of the two and put them in a spray bottle. Then, mist the mixture lightly over your door frame.

The vinegar mixture will stick to the door and act as a repellent.

Before trying this method, make sure that the paint finish on your door is not sensitive to acids. Otherwise, you might damage the surface.

Use Pest Repelling Plants

Did you know that some plants can also help keep bugs away from your door?

Plants also have a number of other benefits so this is a good option. Depending on which hardiness zone you’re in, you should be able to find a few plants that will work for deterring insects.

All you need is some research about your zone and the plants that grow here. Some plants that are excellent at keeping bugs away include:

To get the best results, you should grow a few different plants rather than relying on a single plant. 

Conclusion

So, you have a number of different solutions that can help repel bugs and insects from coming into your house. Whether it’s natural remedies you can easily try at home or devices that can be installed under your door, you now know what you can do.

Plus, you can always ask for a pest control service to visit and treat your home. Best of luck!