We all love a cool home during a hot San Diego Summer. Unfortunately, so do bugs and other pests. A majority of the time, bugs are nothing to worry about. Most homes stay nice and insulated away from the creepy crawlies. However, there are times when bugs can get in through your HVAC system. We’re sharing our favorite tips to stop bugs from coming through vents.
How Do Bugs Get into my HVAC System?
At ASI, we don’t like to sugarcoat anything for you. There are way too many ways bugs can access your home through your HVAC system.
We’ll start with vents and ducts. It’s really easy for bugs to find their way into a vent, and then into your home. The same goes for ductwork. Even the smallest opening can be easy enough for a family to ants to get through.
An outdoor condenser makes a really nice home for San Diego bugs. The outer grill acts as gates of protection. Water can be found from the condensation line and drain pan. In the evening, a whirring motor lets off enough heat to be perfectly comfortable.
The biggest reason bugs like your condenser? It can be the perfect access point to the inside of your home. As we mentioned above, even the smallest crack can be an open door.
Don’t freak out too much. There are a few things you can do before calling the exterminator.
What Kind of Bugs Can Get Through My Air Vents?
First, we want to answer one of the most pressing questions. Though it’s warm almost all year in San Diego, summer can bring a rush of ants, mosquitoes, spiders, fleas, and even scorpions.
It’s hard to remember when you see something crawling across your floor, but bugs want the same comforts your home provides. They need light, shelter, and a reliable food and water source. Your home is the best place to find all of this.
Fill in Any Holes or Cracks
Your local hardware store, Lowes, Home Depot or any home improvement store will have caulk, concrete, and anything you may need to fill in the holes and cracks.
This is a simple, yet effective, way of stopping pests from making their way into your home.
Keep Up with the Landscaping
When was the last time you mowed your lawn? If you can’t give us a clear answer, it’s time to break out that machine and trim the grass. Patchy, overgrown grass is incredibly inviting for most summer bugs.
If you want to do more, or have landscaping around the condenser, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
The big rule is to keep anything—plants, a small fence, or decorative barrier—2-3 feet away from your condenser. Just like everything else in this world, your condenser needs to breathe to properly function.
This space gives room for proper air flow, helps stop debris from getting into your condenser, and keeps bugs away from your AC system.
The next thing you’ll want to do is move anything away from your condenser that could attract bugs. This could be your trash cans, a wood pile, grass clippings, or mulch.
Put in a Rock Garden
There are more than a few reasons rock gardens are gaining popularity. This landscape design trend is sustainable and mostly drought resistant.
These gardens are made from all organic materials. The most commonly used materials are gravel, stone, bricks, river rocks, mosses, and succulents.
Many of the summer bugs listed can’t make their home in most rock gardens. Also, the decreased water use means there are no small pools where mosquitoes can set up shop.
Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts
During the dry months, a lot of debris can get blown into your home’s gutters and downspouts. And it seems that when a little bit of material gets in there, it just starts attracting more and more.
All this loose organic material can make a great home for a pest nest. Cockroaches, spiders, and other insects can take up residence in your gutters and downspouts.
At ASI, we recommend routinely checking your gutters and downspouts for buildup, debris and bugs. If you see anything that needs to be removed, scoop it out before it becomes a large problem.
Stop Water Leaks Whenever Possible
There’s nothing more welcoming to a cockroach than a small water leak in a cool area. For example, a water leak coming from your condenser.
While the appliance is running, go outside and check on it from time to time. Make sure there are no leaks. When water is coming from your condenser, it could be an indicator of issues with the refrigerant line.
How to Stop Bugs from Coming Through Vents? Call ASI, The White Glove Guys
Another great way to stop bugs from coming through vents is by scheduling an AC-tune-up. During a tune-up, one of our HVAC professionals will inspect and clean every part of your AC system. They will note any potential issues and brief you at the end of the visit.
For the best AC care, look no further than ASI, The White Glove Guys! Simply dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online
