How do I keep bugs out of my house in summer?

Bugs enter your house through gaps you wouldn’t think to check. Cracks around window frames, gaps under doors, spaces where pipes enter walls, and unsealed foundation cracks are the main entry points. Walk the perimeter of your house and seal everything with caulk or weatherstripping. A tube of silicone caulk costs about five dollars and stops more bugs than any spray.

The second most important step is removing what attracts them. Wipe counters and sweep floors daily — a single crumb can bring ants. Take out the trash regularly, especially food scraps. Don’t leave pet food bowls out overnight. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, since many insects are drawn to moisture.

Natural deterrents work for minor issues. Cinnamon, citrus peels, white vinegar, and coffee grounds can discourage ants from crossing certain thresholds. But these only repel; they don’t solve an active infestation or seal a real entry point.

For persistent problems, identify what you’re dealing with before buying products. Ants, roaches, spiders, and silverfish enter for different reasons and require different treatments. A perimeter spray of bifenthrin or similar insecticide around the foundation can create a barrier that lasts several weeks, but follow label directions carefully and keep pets and children away from treated areas.