Help needed for preventing insects from getting inside my STR

[Julian S.]

Newbie here. I'm preparing my first STR in the Austin area for guests. I'm near a river, so there are plenty of bugs around. The house was built in the mid-70s, on slab foundation, and has the original windows (which I'd rather not replace if I can help it), and a real fireplace. Being an older house, there are gaps here and there where bugs might get in.

Note, I have a pest control service. I've called them out between services already, but I still find about 1-2 bugs inside daily, even weeks after servicing. On the west coast where I grew up, I'm used to seeing dead bugs for a couple days after a service and then they're gone, so maybe it's my expectations not being aligned with life in the South... Anyway, about 90% of the time they're dead, meaning the pest control works even weeks out, but I'd rather they not get inside in the first place and die outside instead. My fear is that if guests see any insects inside, dead or alive, they would complain to Airbnb and get their money back... I don't want to give away free stays (saw that in another host's post about a mosquito bite).

Since I'm new to managing properties, I'm reaching out to the community for help. Below are some of my ideas to keep them from entering, if you can improve upon these or add new ideas, I would greatly appreciate it.

• Update the weather stripping & door sweeps on doors -- advice on the best types of weatherstripping or how to do it best is appreciated!

 • Add weatherstripping to windows -- advice on weatherstripping types needed!

 • Caulk the windows shut since you don't need to open windows in Texas (although, this is probably a fire safety violation)

 • Caulk the gaps where the laminate floor panels meet the floorboards

 •  Caulk gaps around exterior door thresholds, caulk gaps at outlet covers, caulk gaps where cabinets meet the floor/walls, caulk where pipes enter drywall, caulk where toilets/showers/tubs meet the floor...

 • Find a way to seal gaps in HVAC ducting -- need ideas!

 • Go through the attic to find any cracks to seal with caulk/spray foam.

 • Caulk where house meets foundation (not sure how to do it, but it's an idea)

Thanks everyone.

[Lauren Kormylo]

Julian, you sound like my husband and me trying to prevent scorpions from getting in our AZ house in the mountains, LOL. Instead of trying to seal the entire HVAC system, take off the register covers and staple screen over the opening, and put the covers back on. Same for bathroom exhaust fans. That will stop them from coming in that way. Before we had new carpet installed, we caulked the baseboard top and bottom, and everywhere else, just like your list.  Spraying outside around the perimeter of the foundation and doorways is also necessary to deter bugs from entering. We also spray around the window exteriors. We use Home Defense spray inside and out.