Sealing Your Home From Pests With Caulking

Pests can get into your home easier than you think. Ants and other small bugs in particular are able to squeeze their way inside through the tiniest openings. One of the best things you can do to prevent pest problems, then, is to seal your home off to them! Caulking is an easy, cost-effective way to pest-proof your property every year. By sealing the tiny gaps, holes, and cracks that can happen over time in your property, you can deny access to pests and save yourself the frustration of an infestation. With pest season nearly underway here in Wisconsin, the experts at Batzner are here to share their top tips for sealing your home from pests with caulking.

Inspecting Your Home for Pest Entryways

The first step to caulking is to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. This helps you locate any spots that can be sealed off. Look at your window and door frames from both inside and outside, as well as your baseboards, crown molding, and more. If you discover major problems with your door or window frames, you may consider replacing them entirely or investing in weather stripping. Otherwise, caulking is a great solution for small fixes.

How to Pest-Proof With Caulking

Using caulk to seal your home from pests is an easy and quick way to pest-proof your property.

Here’s how:

1. Pick the best caulking. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Let the caulking 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.

Pest Prevention With Caulking

Caulking is just one of many ways you can seal your home off from pests. With spring and summer quickly approaching, it’s the best time to make sure you are protected against the onslaught of pest problems. For more information on caulking or other ways to pest-proof your Wisconsin property, contact the experts at Batzner today!