A porch is intended as a soothing buffer between indoor and outdoor spaces. Insects have a way of finding their way onto the porch, as they can use the shade from the roof and the water from the porch to protect themselves from outside elements.
Fortunately, you do not need to use toxic chemicals to eliminate them. You can make a few simple changes to improve the comfort levels of your porch. This guide offers a variety of practical, non-toxic ways to pest-proof a porch.
Seal Up Gaps
Most found on porches come through small openings, rather than large, obvious holes. Cracks in trim, gaps between floorboards, loose railings, seams where the porch meets the house all act as easy access points. Consistent checking should help you identify all entry points.
Sealing any gaps you identify using exterior-grade caulking and installing weather stripping around porch doors will greatly decrease the number of insects getting into your home. This is a relatively quick upgrade that should take just one to two hours with minimal tools required.
Screen Replacement Over Repair
Screens may help keep insects out, but the types of screen materials used will ultimately determine if they work. While standard mesh may have some ability to block smaller insects, even a small tear can make an entire enclosure ineffective.
The tighter woven or no-see-um screens provide significantly better results for areas with high populations of gnats and mosquitoes. Replacing your porch screen may be costlier but it saves you money and time in the long run.
Consider If Local Temperature Conditions Are an Issue
If you live in an area with increased humidity such as Greenville, there are times when being proactive about your porch may not work. Certain insect species have seasonal populations or increased populations during hot weather or heavy rain.
Therefore, porches can serve as the primary feeding ground for mosquitoes, ants, palmetto bugs or spiders that will move into your home during heat waves or heavy rains.
If you have ongoing problems with pests, you should continue to try to seal up your home, change the way you light it and maintain a dry area. But, you will also want to learn about the insect species that are native to your area and when there is a need for professional help.
You may need to seek the services of pest control Greenville services. They will give you information on the common insects that invade porches and indicators that suggest a larger problem exists beyond normal preventative measures.
Replace Porch Lighting to Stop Attracting Insects
One of the biggest draws for bugs in the evening is the porch light. This depends on how bright the light is, the color of the bulb, and how hot it gets. Changing to yellow or amber spectrum bulbs will immensely reduce the amount of bugs on your porch. This hack works almost immediately.
Using lower wattage bulbs and strategic placement of light fixtures away from your seating area will also work to keep bugs away. Soft lighting will also create a warm and inviting atmosphere on your porch.
Moisture Control for Your Plants and Decorations
Mosquitoes or other insects will keep coming back to your patio due to stagnant water. Anything that holds water (such as your flower pots, decorative planters, clogged gutters, or even your folded tarp) can create pools of water.
To get rid of any standing water in your flower pots, make sure that they can drain completely after being watered, avoid over watering your plants, and frequently check for any signs of pooling water in the porch. This is work you will need to keep up all the time.
Be sure to dedicate some time each week to get rid of all stagnant water. Remember that stagnant water can also be unsightly and bad for your porch structure.
Choose Porch Materials That Don’t Invite Insects
Furniture and fabrics also matter. Insects are likely to hide in your porch if your cushions hold moisture, your fabric is loosely woven, and if your wicker is made from natural materials.
For easier cleaning and a less appealing home to insects, you should consider using cushions that dry quickly, tight woven fabrics and metal/resin-treated wood for your furniture. You can help reduce your pest problems by taking advantage of the indoors dryer, and having your cushions shaken out regularly.
The Most Important Things to Remember
The primary method of protecting your porch from bugs is to eliminate their resources. This includes how they get into the porch area (entry points), their dwelling place (nesting sites), and their food (attractants). By taking action to eliminate these resources, you can keep bugs away without having to rely on harsh chemicals. Your porch can be a bug-free haven for relaxation.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Mitchell Green has spent over two decades dedicated to the study and practical application of home fixture design. His career started in an architectural firm, providing him a strong foundation in the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interiors. Mitchell brought his comprehensive knowledge to our platform, where he has been an influential voice in our home fixtures and fittings section. Since 2018, he has been guiding our readers through the intricacies of selecting and installing fixtures, combining technical know-how with design flair. In his spare time, Mitchell is a keen photographer, capturing architectural details and design elements, an interest that complements his professional focus.
