I'm struggling with my screened-in porch because it feels more like a bug haven than a relaxing space. There are spiders crawling everywhere, wasps and hornets getting trapped inside, and recently, I even spotted a baby snake! It's been too hot to deal with all this (over 100°F), especially with my young toddler around. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to properly seal it up once the weather cools down. I'm thinking of using silicone caulk for all the cracks, but is there a better solution? Also, the door has a gap beneath it that I'm not sure how to fix, as it seems flimsy and may have warped over time. Lastly, is it safe to spray something to eliminate bugs without harming pollinators?
3 Answers
One good approach might be to convert your porch into a three-season space with more solid windows instead of screens. I know that could be a bit pricey, but it would definitely help keep the pests out. If you're concerned about costs and permits, maybe sticking to caulking could be a good start — but be sure to address any gaps in the flooring too; you might need a heavy fabric membrane under it to block access for bugs.
Definitely eliminate any food sources since that will deter the critters. Check the entire structure for gaps—especially under flooring. Using spray foam for cracks is really helpful, but make sure to trim it properly and cover it with paintable caulk. Also, upgrading to a good door that seals properly can make a huge difference—think of something gasketed like a storm door!
Thanks for those tips! I hadn’t thought about a storm door. I guess I’ll have to learn a bit about installation and see if it’s within my budget. I really appreciate the advice!
How high is your porch off the ground? It sounds like you might have a solid foundation considering it's ground level, but if there’s a gap below, blocking that could be crucial.
No gaps here—just a concrete floor, so I'm good on that front. Thanks for checking!
That’s interesting! But if it’s all screened already, do you think just swapping the screen material for something finer could help? I feel like it might be a simpler fix! Plus, I'm also working on sealing the gaps and ensuring the door's better sealed.