Tips on Keeping Bugs Out of Your Screen Porch

Are bugs getting past your screens and into your porch? One of the biggest benefits of installing a screened porch is eliminating pests, so when that’s not happening, it stops you from enjoying your outdoor spaces to the fullest. In this post, we’ll go over a few tips to keep pests out of your screened areas.

Inspect & Repair Damage Immediately

Inspect all your screens monthly and repair any damage you find, no matter how minor, immediately. This is the most effective way to keep bugs from breaching your screens. If a patch is not enough to fix the damage, the screen must be replaced. We highly recommend using a professional to repair your screens. If you’re in the Tampa area, look no further than Southern Aluminum Installations, Inc. for all your screen repair needs. Just give us a call at 813-264-7477 or reach out online to schedule a free estimate.

Check the Door

A very common way that bugs invade a screened area is through a door. The door must sit just perfectly in the frame to seal properly and keep critters out. As time goes by, especially in humid climates, doors may warp and change shape enough to lose that seal. Always inspect your doors during monthly inspections and fix any warping immediately.

Implement a Pest Control Program for Your Entire Home

A complete pest control program includes all the measures you take to keep bugs at bay, which may or may not include professional pest control services. Pest control cannot happen in just one room…it must be applied over the entire home to be effective. Pest control measures will differ inside versus outside as well, as there may be methods that are appropriate for outdoor spaces but not indoors.

There are many things you can do on your own to keep pests off your screened porch, including:

• Clean up. While a screened porch is technically outdoors, that doesn’t mean it needs to be dirty. Dirty clothes and shoes, food containers, and trash will encourage bugs to come to your screened porch. Make it a practice to clean your outdoor spaces along with your indoor spaces to keep the whole house bug free.
• Keep citronella candles (or comparable technology, like Thermacell) on hand. Light them up when you’re using your screened porch. Be sure you have enough to cover the entire area – the product’s coverage area is usually printed somewhere on the label or box.
• Plant bug-repelling plants in pots on and surrounding your porch. There are many options to choose from, but some of our favorites are marigolds, geraniums, lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary.
• Install fans directed over your seating areas to deter flying insects from bothering seated guests. You may also want to consider a fan mounted over the doorway to push insects out that may want to fly in while the door is open.
• Use essential oils, or a blend of them, to repel pests. Lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus are all known for their bug-deterring properties. Oil diffusers also come in all styles and sizes, so finding one to match your decor should be a breeze.
• Install bug zappers. While they’re not the most attractive option, they are very effective. When placed strategically, you may be able to avoid them being seen altogether.
• Paint your porch ceiling Haint blue. This one may just be a Southern U.S. superstition, but it’s a gorgeous color, so why not?

A quick online search will lead to some other methods, such as spraying hydrogen peroxide, spraying mouthwash, or rubbing everything down with dryer sheets. These methods seem to work well for some but not others, so consider this when trying them.

If all else fails, call in a professional pest control company for assistance.

Screen Repair in Tampa Bay

If your porch screens need repair, or if you want a professional to come out and do a thorough inspection, Southern Aluminum Installations, Inc. is here to help. We’ve installed screened porches, pool enclosures, sun rooms, lanais, and more all over Tampa Bay, so we have the expertise you need to get your screen repair job done right. Call us at 813-264-7477 or contact us online to discuss your screen repair needs today.