A dirty air filter provides some food for the bugs, they can hide at the condenser's grill, and there is always a good water supply from the condensate. The bugs can get into your house through the return vent, ductwork, and other small openings.
Summer brings along a variety of bugs, including spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and ants. The critters can fly or crawl through the tiniest space in search of food and shelter, and your house is the best place to find all of this. They also want to escape the summer heat, and if you use an AC, then your indoor temperature is a lot better than the outdoors. The AC provides a warm, protective and moist environment that attracts critters. A dirty air filter provides some food for the bugs, they can hide at the condenser’s grill, and there is always a good water supply from the condensate. The bugs can get into your house through the return vent, ductwork, and other small openings. Luckily here are a few things that you can do to keep the bugs from coming in through the AC.
1. Seal Any Noticeable Cracks Along the Ductwork
Bugs hiding in the basement or attic can easily squeeze through or get into the ducts through an existing opening. Check the connections between each section of the accessible ductwork, especially at the joint. Pay attention to the parts that seem kinked or twisted. Turn on your AC, then place your hand over the ducts, and if you feel the air against your hand, it means that there is a loose connection or a leak. If you spot any cracks not wider than an inch thick, use duct tape to seal them up. For extensive cracks or leaks in places that you can’t reach, it’s a good idea that you seek professional assistance. A technician will use the aeroseal duct sealant to identify and seal all the cracks within your duct system.
2. Caulk All the Gaps
When you discover bugs in your house, seal the area around the AC with caulk. Though some holes might seem small, they create a way for the tiny bugs to pass through. You will find various caulks in your local hardware, so choose the correct option safe for your wall material. Also, use caulk that you can easily mold and remove in the future.
3. Ensure That the Unit Is Properly Installed
Improper installation of the AC allows bug entry. If you consider DIY installation projects, you might connect the unit loosely to your ductwork, leaving spaces that allow bugs entry. To avoid such problems, you should always have your AC installed by a qualified technician. A professional has adequate experience with various types of AC, and they can install the unit efficiently and create a tight seal. Ensure also that you install air filters in most of the vents. If you have thick enough and the right size air filters, they will trap out bugs and debris that attracts pests. Remember to change or clean the air filters after three months, but if you have a shedding pet or live in a very dusty area, replace it every month.
The outdoor vegetation serves as a bridge for bugs to make their way into the house through the air conditioning unit. Therefore, you should keep trees, fences, and other plants about two to three feet away from the outdoor unit. Clear off any sticks, woodpiles, cans, leaves or other debris around the condenser. Trim the trees to keep the branches at least seven feet away from the unit to protect tree insects from landing onto the AC and gaining access into the house. If clearing shrubbery seems like a lot of work, it’s a good idea that you switch to a rock garden. Use a variety of rocks and stones in your garden with fewer plants. They are aesthetically appealing, allow uninterrupted airflow to the unit, require low maintenance, and deter bugs from getting into the condenser unit. Also, place the outdoor unit on a slab to prevent ground insects from crawling into the unit.
5. Put Screens Over the Vents
You can prevent bugs by covering both the indoor and outdoor air vents with screens. If you have a window AC unit, install the screening around the outdoor unit to deter bugs and flying pests. Ensure that you install the screening properly since tiny gaps will let the bugs let into the house.
6. Clear Any Water Leaks
A damp place attracts most bugs and insects. Therefore, inspect your unit often, and if you see some water spots, clean it with a rug as soon as possible. If your AC constantly leak, this is an indication of a bigger problem that needs immediate attention. A damaged drain pan, clogged lines, or dirty coils can cause water leaks. Call a qualified technician to fix the issue immediately. Keep in mind that a dry AC system helps prevent insects infestation.
7. Keep Up With AC Tune-Up
Scheduling regular AC maintenance will help keep the bugs away. A technician will professionally clean your AC parts to remove dust and dirt. They will also help eliminate any pests trapped in the AC and clear off all food sources that might attract bugs. Some critters get trapped in the AC die and rot, emitting awful smells. A technician will help eliminate them, restoring your indoor air quality. The professional will also assess the AC’s installation, check for a broken, warped or missing part that creates space for bugs entry. Note that besides creating a messy site, critters can eat through your AC’s wires, build nests that limits airflow, shed skin and defecate within your unit, so it circulates contaminants through the house. They affect the efficiency of your AC and cause some health issues, especially if you live with older or younger people. Regular Ac inspection and professional cleaning will help eliminate such problems. A professional can quickly identify a critter’s source of entry and block them to prevent reoccurrence. In case of a high infestation of bugs, the technician will perform repeat treatments to eliminate the problem.
Do You Need Help Preventing Bugs Infestations through Your AC? Call the Experts
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Critters can easily squeeze in through cracks in your ductwork or travel through the vents into your house, grow in population and spread through all the rooms. When this happens, most people turn to pesticides or insecticides. However, if you fail to address the source of entry, the bugs problem is more likely to reoccur. Note that you should never attempt spraying pesticides into the AC vents. It’s unlikely to kill the bugs since most of them hide deep down the unit, and the spray will only cover a small distance. Once you turn on the AC, it will recirculate pesticides particles back into the house, which can be very dangerous when inhaled. Such chemicals also take a longer time to dissipate. Instead, address the issue by sealing any gaps and cleaning your unit often.
If the problem persists, seek professional assistance from C & C Heating & Air Conditioning. Our company offers air conditioners and heating systems installation, repair and maintenance services. We also provide water heaters, air filtration systems, duct cleaning, humidifiers, UV lights and ductless mini-splits services in Metro Detroit, MI, and the nearby areas. Give us a call now to book an appointment
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