Your home is under attack. You smell an intruder. You hear the menacing “buzz” as it circles and stalks? Yes, the brown marmorated stink bug has invaded your space!
It is that time of year when the creepy prehistoric-looking creatures search for winter nesting grounds. You home is awfully inviting. They will slip under the cracks and crevices around your doors and windows. They will crawl in under your loose siding. They will sneak into holes where your utility lines enter your home. But don’t fret; you can keep them out this winter if you act now.
Now is the time to arm yourself. Grab your guns… caulk guns! Caulking around your home’s doors and windows is the most effective way to keep the insects out of your home – that includes roaches, spiders and ants too. It is an easy, cheap and non-toxic way to exterminate your house.
Just walking down the aisle of caulk can be overwhelming for many homeowners. There are many varieties to choose from. You want to choose a good quality, exterior caulk that matches the color of your window and door trim. Clear is an excellent option as well. Silicone based caulks are more durable and withstand more weather extremes. The new caulk from DAP is a great all round exterior caulk, that is easy to apply, low odor, shrink resistant, waterproof and paintable, too.
For an effective and neat caulk application follow these guidelines:
- Buy a caulk gun. Avoid hand held tubes. A gun gives you more control and is easier on your hands. You don’t need to buy the $20 contractor gun. A $7 gun with tube spike and nozzle cutter will be fine.
- Read all directions on the tube; be especially mindful of temperature and humidity guidelines for application. These factors make a big difference in adhesion results.
- Watch for weather forecast to allow for dry times.
- Cut the tube nozzle on an angle. Use the tube spike (nail like piece on end of caulk gun) to puncture inner seal at inside end of nozzle.
- Try running a bead (line) of caulk on a scrap of cardoard to practice.
- Practice your bead by pushing or pulling the caulk gun to see which method gives you more control on vertical or horizontal surfaces.
- Apply caulk around the edges of trim; slowly fill in any gaps and cracks.
- Run damp paper towel or gloved finger along bead to smooth out.
- Let dry completely before painting if desired.
A few hrs of your time will not only keep out the critters but save you cash in heating and cooling costs. If you are unsure of how to get started on your caulking project, ask the pros in your home improvement store or email me at bethallen@diyhipchicks.com.
