Best Way to Stop Insects Entering Your Home

On a warm day, there’s nothing nicer than opening the doors and windows to let fresh air into your home. But as soon as you do, it often isn’t long before a fly starts buzzing around the kitchen or a wasp finds its way into the living room.

Many homeowners end up with the same problem. They want to keep their home cool and enjoy the fresh air, but they don’t want insects coming inside. The good news is that there are some simple ways to reduce the number of insects entering your home, without keeping your doors and windows shut all summer.

Why are insects coming into your home?

Most insects come inside because they’re looking for something. That could be food left on the kitchen side, a bit of water, somewhere warm to shelter or simply an easy way in through an open door or window. Warm weather also means insects are much more active, so it’s only natural that you’ll notice them more during spring and summer.

Common insects in UK homes

Some insects are more common than others, especially during the warmer months.

• Flies are often attracted to food, bins and cooking smells.
• Mosquitoes are more common on warm evenings and near standing water.
• Wasps are attracted to sweet food and drinks, especially later in the summer.
• Midges are often found near gardens, rivers and woodland.
• Flying ants usually appear during periods of warm, humid weather and can suddenly arrive in large numbers.

While most are harmless, they’re rarely welcome inside the house.

Simple ways to keep insects out

You won’t stop insects being outside, but you can make your home less attractive to them.

• Keep your kitchen clean: Wipe down worktops, clear away crumbs and empty food bins regularly. Flies are much less likely to hang around if there’s nothing to attract them.
• Get rid of standing water: Mosquitoes are attracted to water, so empty buckets, watering cans and plant trays if they’ve collected rainwater.
• Try natural deterrents: Plants like lavender, mint and basil are often said to help keep some insects away. Citronella candles can also be useful if you’re sitting outside during the evening.
• Turn off lights when you can: Many flying insects are attracted to light. If you have the doors open after dark, switching off unnecessary outdoor lights may help reduce the number of insects gathering nearby.
• Check for gaps: Small gaps around doors and windows can let insects in, even when everything is closed. Replacing worn seals can help keep them out while also improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Why these tips aren’t always enough

These simple steps can certainly help, but they won’t stop insects flying through an open door or window. That’s why many people end up closing everything again once the insects appear. The problem is that closing your home also means losing the fresh air. Rooms can quickly become stuffy, bedrooms stay warmer at night and kitchens can feel uncomfortable while cooking. It often feels like you have to choose between letting fresh air in or keeping insects out. Fortunately, you don’t.