Windowsills are a frequent entry point for outdoor insects.
Insects can gain entry to homes through any type of crack or poorly fitted opening. Ants, cockroaches, fleas or various types of flying insects can easily find any access point and begin to nest in the warm, moist environment of a home. To prevent insect infestations, seal cracks and openings and place insect repellents at likely points of access such as windowsills, doorways and around basement foundations. Does this Spark an idea?
Insects In the Home
Many insects naturally seek shelter in homes and businesses. Pavement ants, field ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, centipedes, silverfish and many other types of insects find their way through tiny crevices such as those normally found around windowsills. Ants, for example, can send "scouts" to find good sources of food and leave a scent trail that other ants will follow. Ensuring that windows fit and close properly helps to keep insects out of your home.
Natural Insecticides
Many people prefer natural insect repellent and killing compounds that are safer for humans and the environment. These natural compounds are effective against pests without leaving harmful chemical residues. Boric-acid powder is a compound made from a mineral. It is generally mixed with a sweet or protein to entice insects to eat it and bring the material back to the nest. It works as a stomach poison to kill insects and repel further infestations. It is also applied directly on entry areas as a fine dust and is picked up by the movement of insects, according to University of Kentucky entomologist Mike Potter. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized skeletons of tiny marine creatures. It works by scratching the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dry out and die. These materials can be placed on windowsills and other entry points to kill invading insects and repel others from making nests in your home.
Chemical Insecticides
Homeowners can find a variety of products on the market to kill bugs found in the home. Placing carbaryl baits can eliminate insect problems at likely insect entries. Many of the spray products contain chemicals that act as a barrier to repel insects for up to six months. Homeowners can use these products both indoors and outdoors for effective treatment against insect intrusions around windowsills, doorways, air-conditioning vents, laundry vents and other access points. Use these in combination with other measures, such as removing debris from window areas and sealing cracks used as points of entry, according to Colorado State University entomologist W.S. Cranshaw. These compounds often need re-application after heavy rainfalls for maximum effectiveness.
Precautions
Powder insecticides used to repel home-invading insects only work when they are kept dry. Replace the powder each time it becomes damp from rain intrusion or condensation. Ensure that children and family pets cannot get into chemical bait products. Place on outside sills or higher on the middle window frame. Use spray insecticides in well-ventilated rooms to avoid respiratory irritation. Do not overuse "barrier" chemical insect repellents. Follow directions carefully to avoid health problems.
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