How do you spray for bugs indoors? How do you keep your home bug-free? Well, here's a couple of things you should know first:
- Bugs like to have a sheltered place where they can get away from the world outside, hang out, rest, and relax. Oh, and this place should have plenty of food. Sound familiar? Yes, it’s your home. Bugs are always on the lookout for more food, water, and better shelter. If they happen to stumble across your home and they feel comfortable, they'll likely be moving in.
- The types of bugs that most commonly make themselves at home include ants, cockroaches, flies, spiders, earwigs, firebrats, house centipedes, and silverfish. If you have pets, you may also come across some tag-along fleas and ticks at home. Different kinds of bugs show up at different times of the year, and some wear out their welcome much more quickly than others. Depending upon where you live in the country, some of these bugs may prove more problematic than for homeowners in other states.
Don't Make Your Bug Visitors Feel Welcome!
Bugs will look for any excuse to invite themselves into your home. Holes in the screen, tree branches and shrubbery brushing upright against the side of your house, cable/utility entry points, etc.
A bug-free world sounds delightful, but will likely never happen. There are some things you can do to make them want to move out of your home and go elsewhere, however.
Some helpful tips to make your uninvited bug guests feel unwelcome:
Do a walk-around inspection of your home, including the foundation and potential bug entry points (vents, gaps around utility/pipe entryways, under siding, etc.). Use caulk to seal any entry points you may find (cracks, crevices, entry points for pipes, wires, etc.)
- Remove debris and leaf litter from around the foundation and cut back any vegetation and branches that may come in contact with your home.
- Rake back mulch to at least six inches from the foundation.
- Avoid stacking firewood up against the side of the structure.
- Keep your lawn well-mowed.
- Prune trees and shrubs well.
Fix Your Screens, and Seal up Other Entryways
- Make sure your window and door screens are in good repair.
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Make sure the weather stripping on your windows and doors is also intact.
Clean, clean, clean
- Make sure your kitchen is swept, clean, and well-wiped down.
- Stored food (cereals, rice, flour, popcorn, etc.) should be in well-sealed containers. This includes your pets’ food.
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Trash should be removed frequently.
Dry, dry, dry
- Fix leaky faucets, drains, and pipes. Do not give your bug intruders a water supply.
- Make sure your appliances (including your A/C) are working properly, and leak-free.
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You may consider placing a dehumidifier in your basement, if this area is damp.
Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum Weekly
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum weekly, if possible, and keep your sinks and drains as food and crumb-free as possible.
- Use drain cleaner regularly.
- Keep your garage and other storage areas free of empty boxes, and stacks of magazines and newspapers.
Finally, apply Home Bug Spray outside around your window and door frames and in and around any possible entry points for bugs near the foundation, like weep holes, utility hardware inlets, etc.
Another valuable treatment involves applying an insecticide dust to potential pest entry points around your home (cracks, crevices, weep holes, utility entry points, etc.) for long-lasting repellency and control.
Remember to always follow label directions when applying or using any pest control product.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spray Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray on everything?
You cannot spray it onto food or food prep areas. If you do, clean the area or discard the food. Do not apply to plants. Do not spray directly on yourself, other people, or pets. Always test on fabrics and plastic surfaces before using across a broad area. Do not spray around insect baits that are being used, as you want to ensure that the target pest is able to get to the bait and share it with the colony.
I am using Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray to deter bugs from entering my house. How often do I spray?
That depends on whether you are fighting a current infestation or if you are trying to get ahead of the game. We suggest every two weeks if dealing with an active infestation, or as needed, and about once monthly under normal conditions.
Will Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray work on spiders? Can I spray my windows? How long does it take to dry?
It is a contact kill spray with residual repellency for a number of insects. Spiders are listed on the label as treatable insects. We recommend knocking down all visible spider webs to enhance their control. You can spray around your windows and doors, and the spray will dry at a normal rate.
Do you offer larger amounts, like a refill bottle of Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray, so I don’t have to throw so much away?
We’re sorry, but we do not currently offer any refill-size bottles. The bottles are recyclable, however.
Can I spray Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray on my plants?
This product is not labeled for use on plants. We recommend to check out our Maggie’s Farm 3-in-1 Garden Spray. If you decide to use it, read all of the label instructions first, and make sure to test a small area of your plant before broadly spraying over the entire plant.
I’m having a hard time turning the nozzle. Any tips?
The first nozzle turn can be difficult, but you can use a pair of pliers to get a good grip on it and then twist it either way to help loosen it up. There are two “on” positions, one “mist spray” position, and one “stream spray” position.
Can I use Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray in my bedroom? Will it work on Boxelder bugs? Why aren’t the ingredients listed on the label?
Yes, you can use this product in your bedroom; the label even includes treatment for bed bugs on mattresses and box springs. Boxelder bugs are a listed treatable insect on the label. And yes, the ingredients are listed on the label, both active and inert ingredients.
How long will the scent linger?
This depends on the surface of which Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray was sprayed, the amount of product used, and whether it was used indoors or outdoors. The more porous and absorbent the surface is, the longer it will last. If you overapply the product, the scent will also last longer. You can help it clear out if you open windows in the enclosed area, or direct a fan toward the treated area. For larger amounts of spray on a surface, you can clean the area with a solution of standard dish soap.
What is your go-to for getting rid of bugs at home? Leave a comment below! And be sure to follow us on social!
For scientifically-tested, effective pest control that is better for the environment, try Maggie’s Farm pest control products. Our promise is that our plant and mineral-based products are developed by scientists and seasoned pest control professionals to be the most effective family of green pest control products on the market. Find out why life’s better on the farm!