Seal Up Your Window Frames Now To Keep Out One Nasty Pest This Winter

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When the weather cools, all you want is to spend a cozy evening by the window with a cup of tea. But this season, you're not the only one seeking warmth; a tiny intruder is looking for a spot inside your home. Known as the boxelder bug, it's a ½-inch-long freeloader with a black body and striking red markings. They spend their summers lounging on boxelder trees, laying eggs. But do not assume you're off the hook if you don't have a boxelder tree in your yard. These bugs also love ash, maple, cherry, peach, and numerous other trees. As winter arrives, they begin searching for the nearest heated hideout, and your home, with tiny cracks and gaps around window frames, provides them one. Therefore, it's ideal for you to seal your window frames now to keep boxelder bugs out of your house. After all, pest prevention always beats extermination.

Boxelder bugs prefer munching on seeds and leaves outdoors. They aren't the kind of pest that'll chew through your furniture or attack pantry staples. They don't bite either. But that doesn't mean you'll enjoy their company. Once they move in, they can be an unwelcome eyesore because they form clusters near windows and walls. Smashing them isn't an option unless you want a nasty odor that lingers after they're gone. Plus, who'd deal with the ugly stains they leave? So, a small fix today can prevent boxelder bugs from getting into your home in the first place.

Caulking your window is easily the most effective way to block pesky boxelder bugs from finding their way in. But opt for a waterproof caulk that can also handle temperature changes without cracking, like the WELLUCK Grey Silicone Caulk. Before application, you need to remove the old sealant. A utility knife can help you peel it off. This step matters because leaving the old gunk behind means your new seal won't adhere properly. Once that's done, grab a damp cloth and give your window frames a good wipe. Dust may look harmless, but it can become the reason the sealant lifts off early. Let everything dry completely before applying a fresh bead. Ideally, keep it as even as you can.

If you'd rather skip the mess of caulking, weather stripping is your next option. It's a strip made out of rubber, foam, or vinyl that sticks along the edges of your window frame. Rubber seals are often a great choice here since they're durable and handy to clean.

Again, prepare the area by cleaning it thoroughly and measuring your windows carefully; trust us, eyeballing them won't work. Then, cut the strip with scissors. Keep the cut slightly longer than needed. You can always adjust it later, but once you go too short, there's no going back (and you'll also end up wasting that piece). Install it snugly to make sure no gaps are left for the bugs to enter through.