How to seal up apt from spiders, bugs, etc

[Roxy_9_2011]

This thread goes along with one I posted last week. The exterminator came and didn't use a "bug bomb" but a contact spray that he just used along the outside and inside. He said he got rid of 50+ spiders just oustide our windows and patio door. However, it's been 3 days and more spiders are still coming in.

So my question is, how can I seal up my patio door and windows? Anyone tried something that really works? Unfortunately I am on a tight budget

 

[SoCalWendy]

This thread goes along with one I posted last week. The exterminator came and didn't use a "bug bomb" but a contact spray that he just used along the outside and inside. He said he got rid of 50+ spiders just oustide our windows and patio door. However, it's been 3 days and more spiders are still coming in.

So my question is, how can I seal up my patio door and windows? Anyone tried something that really works? Unfortunately I am on a tight budget

Usually after an exterminator sprays a barrier, anything that crosses it will soon die. I had roaches once (big ones) they sprayed but it didn't kill them all on contact. I'd be watching tv and a lonely roach would come out slowly walking across my floor (gross) anyway it was dying, and it did. Took a while but they all eventually died.

I'd try some weather stripping around your doors and windows. If you have any small holes or cracks use some caulking, you can get it at any DYI store.

 

[Merlee]

In addition to the above, you can get sort of sticky traps and strategically place them where the bugs are commonly seen. I do not recommend them if you have other free roaming pets.

Was the whole building treated or just your apartment?

 

[JDlugosz]

Generally, spiders are "beneficials" that eat other bugs.

Weatherstripping on the door wears out, and builder-grade stuff isn't very good anyway. You can cheaply replace that or add to it. The bottom of the door is particularly troublesome, and you can't even see what's happening there. My sister had giant slugs squeeze under the kitchen door and eat the dogfood.

After mopping the kitchen, I always re-spray a kitchen bug killer just in front of the door and pantry door. I use contained bait boxes for ants and roaches.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Generally, spiders are "beneficials" that eat other bugs.

Weatherstripping on the door wears out, and builder-grade stuff isn't very good anyway. You can cheaply replace that or add to it. The bottom of the door is particularly troublesome, and you can't even see what's happening there. My sister had giant slugs squeeze under the kitchen door and eat the dogfood.

After mopping the kitchen, I always re-spray a kitchen bug killer just in front of the door and pantry door. I use contained bait boxes for ants and roaches.

I am so not a fan of bug sprays... They make me ill.

 

[Roxy_9_2011]

In addition to the above, you can get sort of sticky traps and strategically place them where the bugs are commonly seen. I do not recommend them if you have other free roaming pets.

Was the whole building treated or just your apartment?

Just my apartment was treated, outside and inside. I like the idea of sticky traps. I don't have any other pets roaming about.

 

[Merlee]

Just a warning about sticky traps. They lose effectiveness whenever they get wet and will fall apart over time the wetter they become.

 

[JDlugosz]

I am so not a fan of bug sprays... They make me ill.

Find one that's water based. Or, don't use the sprayer, but wipe it in front of the doorway using a paper towel.

 

[forbey]

Our new home was LOADED with spiders. We still have some, but the numbers are dropping. Treat your window and door frames on the outside. Fill any and all gaps around windows, doors, floors, under cabinets, etc. We had a lot of luck with both the expandable and low expanding spray foam. Once dry, trim to look nice and paint.

Forbey

 

[getwozzy]

If you're living in an apartment, talk to your landlord or maintenance supervisor- they should be the ones to come in and properly seal everything up, replace things, etc.

 

[forbey]

Another way to cut back on the spiders is to make your own spider repellant. I found this "recipe" a while back.

How to Make Spider Repellent at Home: 8 Steps - wikiHow

Forbey