Keep The Bugs Out: DIY Screens, Caulking & Natural Repellents That Actually Work

Key Highlights

• Learn how to install and repair window and door screens to block entry points.

• Discover where and how to apply caulking to seal cracks and gaps.

• Use natural repellents like essential oils, citrus, and herbs that bugs hate.

• Explore DIY traps and deterrents for common pests like ants, mosquitoes, and flies.

• Understand how lighting choices and yard maintenance affect bug behavior.

• Learn how to keep bugs out without toxic chemicals or complicated tools.

Introduction

If there’s one thing that can ruin a relaxing summer evening or a quiet night’s sleep, it’s bugs. Whether it's mosquitoes buzzing in your ear, ants crawling across your kitchen counter, or spiders popping up in corners, unwanted pests have a way of making themselves at home. And while professional pest control can be helpful, it’s not always necessary or affordable.

Good news: keeping bugs out can be a DIY job with real results. You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. With some simple tools, a little patience, and the right natural repellents, you can create a home environment that bugs hate.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through six smart and effective ways to bug-proof your home using screens, caulking, and natural repellents. These are tried and true tips anyone can do, no experience required.

Start with Screens: Your First Line of Defense

Screens are the simplest, most effective way to keep flying insects out of your home. Whether it’s your windows, doors, or vents, these mesh barriers physically block pests from entering. But they only work if they’re intact and well-fitted. Check all existing screens for holes or tears. Even small rips are an open invitation to mosquitoes and flies. You can fix minor tears with a screen repair patch or a little clear nail polish and thread. If the damage is widespread, it might be time to replace the screen.

Measure your windows and doors accurately before purchasing new screens or screen kits. Most home improvement stores carry DIY screen repair kits that include the mesh, spline (the rubber edging), and a tool to install it.

Tip: Use a finer mesh (20x20 or higher) to keep out even the smallest bugs like gnats or no-see-ums.

Also, don’t forget screen doors, especially if you like leaving your front or back doors open for airflow. A magnetic closure screen door is an easy DIY upgrade that doesn’t require tools.

Seal the Gaps: Caulking That Keeps Critters Out

Bugs are experts at finding tiny openings. Those little gaps around your baseboards, window frames, electrical outlets, and plumbing can serve as easy entry points. Caulking is your best friend here. It’s cheap, effective, and doesn’t require special skills. Look for silicone or latex caulk labeled for indoor or outdoor use. Use a caulking gun to apply it cleanly along gaps and seams, and smooth it with a wet finger or finishing tool.

Focus on areas where different materials meet. For example:

• Baseboards and flooring

• Window and door trim

• Gaps around pipes or dryer vents

• Wall cracks or crevices

  
  

Inspect the exterior, too. Bugs often get in from outside through gaps in siding, vents, and around utility lines. Use exterior-grade sealant for these jobs.

Pro tip: Use expanding foam for larger gaps, especially in garages, basements, or attics.

This step not only stops bugs but also helps with energy efficiency by keeping air from leaking in or out. A win for both comfort and cost savings.

Natural Repellents That Bugs Hate (But You’ll Love)

Chemical bug sprays might kill bugs, but they don’t prevent them. And they often come with strong smells or potential health risks. Luckily, plenty of natural solutions are just as effective, if not more so, at keeping pests away.

Essential Oils

Many essential oils have natural insect-repelling properties. Try these DIY mixtures:

• Lemon eucalyptus oil repels mosquitoes. Mix 10 to 15 drops with 2 oz of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol and spray near windows and doorways.

• Peppermint oil drives away ants and spiders. A few drops on cotton balls placed in corners or entry points does the trick.

• Lavender and tea tree oil are great for general bug control and smell amazing.

  
  

Citrus Peels and Vinegar

• Place orange or lemon peels in cupboards or on windowsills to deter ants and flies.

• Make a vinegar-based spray (equal parts water and white vinegar) for countertops and surfaces. Add citrus peels for scent and extra power.

  
  

Herbs and Plants

Grow bug-repelling plants like basil, mint, citronella, and rosemary near windows or on your porch. Not only do they deter pests, but they’re also great for cooking.

Bonus tip: Use diatomaceous earth (a natural powder made from fossilized algae) around baseboards or window sills. It’s harmless to humans and pets but deadly to insects with exoskeletons.

DIY Traps and Deterrents for Common Pests

Sometimes it’s not just about keeping bugs out, but also reducing the ones already inside. That’s where DIY traps and deterrents come in.

Ant Traps

Mix borax and sugar (1:3 ratio) and place small amounts on cotton balls or in shallow dishes near ant trails. The sugar attracts them, and the borax kills them slowly, allowing them to carry it back to the colony.

Fruit Fly Trap

Pour a little apple cider vinegar into a jar, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes. Fruit flies will fly in and get trapped.

Mosquito Bowl Trap

Fill a bowl with soapy water and place it near a light source. The reflection draws mosquitoes in, and the soap breaks the water tension so they can’t escape.

Spider Deterrents

Spiders dislike citrus and peppermint. Spray doorframes and window corners with a diluted mix of peppermint oil and water. These traps work best when used alongside other methods like sealing and cleaning.

Light Smarter, Live Bug-Free

Believe it or not, your lighting could be attracting more bugs than you realize. Certain wavelengths and brightness levels draw insects like moths, beetles, and even mosquitoes straight to your home.

Switch to Yellow or Amber Lights

Regular white bulbs (especially incandescent or cool LEDs) attract bugs. Swap them out for yellow bug lights or warm-colored LEDs, especially in outdoor fixtures. Keep porch lights off when not needed, and avoid leaving interior lights on near open doors or windows.

Use Motion Sensors or Timers

Instead of keeping outdoor lights on all night, use motion-sensor lights or smart bulbs on timers. This limits unnecessary lighting and reduces bug attraction.

Tip: Keep your lights clean. Dust and dead insects can build up and attract even more bugs.

Yard Work That Keeps Bugs at Bay

Your yard is your first line of defense and it might be inviting bugs in without you realizing it.

Here’s how to bug-proof your yard:

• Eliminate standing water. Even small amounts (like in plant trays, gutters, or toys) are mosquito breeding grounds.

• Keep grass trimmed and weeds pulled. Tall grass and dense shrubs are ideal hiding spots for ticks, fleas, and ants.

• Store firewood away from your house. Wood piles attract termites, roaches, and spiders.

• Compost properly. Use sealed containers and avoid meat or dairy scraps, which attract flies and rodents.

  
  

Maintain a buffer zone. Keep mulch, leaves, and brush at least 12 to 18 inches away from your foundation. This makes it harder for bugs to cross into your home. Lastly, consider using outdoor-safe repellents like cedar oil spray or garlic oil concentrates to create a barrier around your property.

Connect with Real People, Real Projects—Join The Renovation Room Community

DIY doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Sometimes the best tips, motivation, and honest feedback come from other homeowners doing the same kind of work you are. That’s where The Renovation Room comes in.

The Renovation Room is a growing online hub for DIYers, homeowners, and renovation pros. Whether you’re sealing windows to keep bugs out or planning a full kitchen remodel, this space is filled with people who’ve been there, done that, and are happy to share what worked (and what didn’t).

Our Facebook group, The Renovation Room, has over 38,000 members and counting. It’s a supportive, no-pressure space where you can:

• Ask questions and get answers from experienced DIYers and tradespeople

• Share before-and-after photos of your own projects

• Get product recommendations and tool advice

• Learn from real-world projects, not just Pinterest ideas

• Celebrate wins, troubleshoot problems, and stay inspired

  
  

There’s no gatekeeping and no judgment. Whether you’re on your first DIY attempt or have years of experience, you’re welcome. Join the conversation today and see how much easier it is to tackle your home improvements when you're part of a crew that gets it. Find us at The Renovation Room and let us know what you’re working on next.

Conclusion

Keeping bugs out of your home doesn’t require expensive pest control or harsh chemicals. With some basic tools, natural ingredients, and a little elbow grease, you can stop pests before they become a problem.

Start with your screens. Then seal up those cracks and gaps with caulking. Mix in some natural repellents, set a few DIY traps, switch up your lighting, and tidy up the yard. These small steps add up to a bug-free, peaceful home.

It’s not just about comfort. It’s about health, hygiene, and making your home feel like your own again.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Q: What’s the most effective natural bug repellent for indoors?A: Peppermint oil is a favorite. It repels ants, spiders, and even mice. Use it diluted in a spray bottle or on cotton balls placed around the house.

Q: How often should I reapply natural sprays?A: Every few days or after cleaning. Natural sprays don’t last as long as chemical ones but are safer and smell better.

Q: Is caulking a DIY-friendly task?A: Yes. All you need is a caulking gun, some patience, and the right type of caulk. It’s one of the easiest home projects to learn.

Q: Do bug lights really work?A: Yes, especially the yellow-tinted ones. They attract fewer insects compared to standard white bulbs.

Q: Can I use essential oils if I have pets?A: Some oils can be toxic to pets. Avoid tea tree, clove, and eucalyptus oils around cats and dogs. Stick with pet-safe oils like lavender or rosemary.