As the chill in the air prompts you to shop for new cable knit sweaters, it also prompts creatures of the creepy crawly persuasion to find shelter in your house. Hence, fall is the perfect time to seal up your home before mice, stink bugs and who knows what else finds its way in.
Did you know it only takes a 1/4 inch opening for a mouse to wiggle into your pad? Don’t panic.
There are several easy and inexpensive ways to keep critters out and save you some money on energy bills at the same time, too. Try some DIY insulating methods to seal up your home that you can do this weekend:
Caulk: For outside edges of windows and doors along siding or stone work.
• Look for openings or feel for drafts.
• Apply exterior specific caulk only.
• Use a fresh tube of caulk that color coordinates to your window trim.
• Caulk roping can be used instead of tube variety.
Weather Stripping: For doors and windows
• Apply around inside edge of door jams and along bottom of each window sash.
• Choose foam, rubber or felt styles either as stick-on or nail-on applications.
• Use nail on styles for wooden doors only.
• Be mindful of making sure the door closes and latches completely with added cushion in the space.
Thresholds: For all exterior doors and garage doors
• Look for light peering into openings under doorways and feel for drafts.
• Apply door sweeps along horizontal edge of door bottom facing you.
• Door sweeps come with rubber flange or bristle brush, nail-on or stick-on application.
• Apply new rubber gasket, sliding it into grove along underside of door bottom.
Foam spray insulation: Great Stuff! (That’s really what it is called)
• Apply sparingly as it expands quickly, wait for it to dry and cut away excess.
• Follow directions carefully for best results.
• Fill in gaps around utility lines entering the foundation.
• Fill in gaps where water lines enter sink cabinets.
• Fill in gaps in crawl spaces/ basements that could be inviting to critters.
To really avoid being the local Motel 6 for rodents and insects follow these general tips for weatherizing and critter-proofing your home: using products that are fresh – caulk does have an expiration date and adhesive glues can break down after time. Check out a full array of insulating and sealing products from my friends at Frost King.
Make sure surfaces are clean and dry before applying; apply in temperatures over 40 degrees; and make sure you can still close doors and windows completely after applying products. Do not store firewood too close to the house; it draws critters closer to your door. Keep garage bay doors closed as much as possible to limit easy entry.
Make sure that pantry items, bird seed or pet food stored in the garage/shed is kept in a sealed container. Otherwise, critters will think they are being served a complimentary continental breakfast too. Before you know it, they’ll want maid service!
