One of the first things we do when the weather warms up is open our windows. It's a quick, cost-efficient, and fuss-free way to cool down your bedroom at night.
However, our pest pros warn that you may well be inviting pests into your home. That's why they recommend using a $13 pest screen from Amazon, also known as window limiters, especially at night.
Here, they share their tips for using these tools to keep bugs out of a bedroom when sleeping with an open window.
Why bedroom window screens are important
Tony King, pest control expert and the founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, shares, 'As soon as the weather starts to heat up, usually late spring through early fall, most people instinctively want to sleep with their windows open and invite in the cool night air.
'Unfortunately, unless protected, this is the most common way insects are entering your home. That is why I always recommend using pest screens [such as the Frost King Adjustable Window Screen available at Amazon] or window limiters – especially at night.'
These are effective for repelling those unwanted intruders, he explains, while still allowing airflow and cooling down a bedroom fast.
Tony continues, 'Insect screens provide a physical barrier that's thin enough to keep even the tiniest insects out, and window restrictors add an additional measure of safety, by limiting how far the window can open, something that can restrict the means larger insects might enter through and which can also assist in child and pet safety.' For this, we also recommend these Window Locks, available at Amazon.
Which pests are these most effective for?
Tony advises, 'They do a great job of keeping mosquitoes away, as well as keeping moths, flies, and even smaller indoor pests like gnats out, which are particularly nuisances during warmer months.
'Mosquitoes are especially a nuisance because they can pass on diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and dengue fever. Moths and flies, although not necessarily dangerous, are attracted to the indoor light and can be bothersome, or even contaminate food.
'I have also observed that screens are effective in keeping larger insects like June beetles and stink bugs from entering the premises, which are more prevalent in specific areas and seasons,' he continues. 'The mesh is a good first line of defense against any intruders flying or crawling that are attracted to the warmth and light of your house.'
Remember, too, that it's still important to consider the surprising things attracting pests to your home, like clutter and hidden crumbs, to avoid drawing pests in.
However, as Sean Hearn from All U Need Pest Control warns, while window screens can be effective at keeping most pests out, they shouldn’t be your only barrier from pests.
He explains, 'Screening can be easily chewed and gnawed at by wildlife and pests such as mice and rats if they want to get to the other side.' That being said, he agrees that, 'They work well for keeping out swarms of flying insects, such as mosquitoes, and preventing larger insects, such as palmetto bugs, from getting in easily.
'I also suggest weather stripping gaps and other cracks or holes in the door or window frame to keep these bugs out.' For this, using caulk, such as the number one bestselling GE Advanced Silicone Caulk available at Amazon, is particularly effective.
When to use screens or restrictors
Both Tony and Sean agree that, if you have them, the best time to use these non-toxic pest control essentials is from dusk to dawn, when the majority of flying insects, especially mosquitoes, are most active.
Tony advises, 'Start putting window screens out early in the spring when temperatures rise to above 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius) and carry on into early autumn, or as long as there are warm nighttime temperatures. In southern or tropical regions where there are warm temperatures throughout the year, installing the screens all year round is a flat-out necessity.'
This is because, Sean explains, when the weather outside is warm, pests seeking either food, water, or shelter will likely find them in abundance in your home.
'If these sources are readily accessible in your home, without proper pest control, you can guarantee pests will find a way in and stick around for as long as they can,' he warns.
Be sure to brush up on how to clean window screens to prevent splattered bugs from clogging your view or attracting other pests to your home.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
'I really like this window screen,' says Tony. 'It is perfect for homeowners with double-hung windows and is expandable, so you can fit it to a variety of window sizes. It has a tool-free installation, so it is perfect for tenants or those who do not wish to be stuck with permanent installations.'
These window locks are easy to install, with no drilling or additional installation tools required, and are equipped with protection pads to prevent any scratches or irreversible damage to your window.
These window screens are suitable for small windows and can be used in wood, metal, or vinyl double-hung windows and rolling doors, with a width adjustment of approximately 14 to 24 inches.
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