Prevent Pests & Insects from Nesting Behind Exterior Shutters

Exterior window shutters are a popular feature in many American homes, adding both charm and practicality. However, they can also create an ideal hiding spot for pests, allowing insects to nest behind exterior shutters. This can be both a nuisance and a potential cause of damage. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this issue.

Why Do Insects Nest Behind Exterior Shutters?

Pests are commonly drawn to homes because of the shelter, warmth and moisture provided, and they especially gather within crevices – cracks around windows and door frames. The area behind exterior shutters provides an ideal nesting site because it is dark, rarely disturbed, and well protected from harsh weather. Shutters with louvers offer additional small spaces that can be appealing for a variety of insects.

The most commonly found invaders include:

Wasps: Wasps love to build nests in the nooks and crannies of exterior shutters. Their nests, often made of paper-like material, can quickly grow large and become hazardous.
Bees: Similar to wasps, bees are attracted to dark, hidden spaces where they can set up a hive and build their colony. Carpenter bees can occasionally drill into the underside of wood shutters and wreak havoc.
Spiders: Spiders often seek out areas behind shutters to build webs. These areas provide a food source (insects) and protection from predators.
Rodents: Small rodents like mice, bats and squirrels may use gaps behind shutters to access the interior of the home. They are opportunistic creatures looking for a safe space to hide, nest, and reproduce.
Termites: These pests are attracted to some species of wood, and if the shutters are not fully painted or sealed, they may find a cozy spot to eat away at the material, causing long-term structural damage.

How to Keep Insects away from Shutters

While no method is 100% effective in deterring pests, there are several key strategies that can help prevent insects and other pests from building their homes behind exterior window shutters.

Maintain Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your shutters clean and well-maintained is essential in deterring pests. A buildup of dirt, leaves, or other debris behind the shutters can attract insects looking for food or a nesting site. Regular cleaning removes any organic matter that pests might find appealing.

Shutters installed on hinges can be easily swung open to clean the areas behind. While some shutters are only available to be installed in a stationary position, they should also have some space between the building and the shutter to allow for cleaning and for moisture to evaporate.

Action Steps:

Use a garden hose to clean behind the shutters, removing dust, leaves, spider webs, and other debris. Do not use a pressure washer that can loosen paint on shutters.
Sweep away any dead insects, leaves, or organic material that may have accumulated in corners or behind the shutters.
Regularly clean the shutters themselves, especially in a location with heavy rain or humidity that might promote mold growth or dirt accumulation, which can attract pests.
Ensure that the paint finish of shutters is intact and touch up any areas that are thin or cracking. Carpenter bees and termites will not penetrate a solid paint surface.

Use Repellents

Natural repellents are an effective, non-toxic way to discourage pests from nesting behind shutters. Certain scents are known to repel insects and pests, including wasps, ants, and spiders. Other nontoxic repellents can also be effective in deterring pests.

Action Steps:

Essential oils: Certain essential oils are known to be natural pest repellents. Oils such as peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and citronella can be used to repel insects. Create a spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and a small amount of dish soap. Spray this solution on the shutters and around the window.
Herbs: Planting pest-repelling herbs like lavender, basil, or mint in pots or in the ground surrounding the home can help deter insects from taking up residence behind the shutters.
Commercial products: There are several insecticide products on the market that can be applied to the perimeter of the home. Sprays are typically applied to hard surfaces as a preventative treatment and can be effective in deterring insects for up to 12 months.

How to Get Rid of Pests and Insects Behind Shutters

Install Pest Traps

When dealing with a specific type of pest, such as wasps or rodents, installing traps can be an effective method to reduce the number of pests. Traps can capture pests before they can establish a colony behind shutters. While traps may not eliminate pests entirely, they can significantly reduce their numbers and prevent them from moving into the space behind the shutters.

Action Steps:

For wasps, consider hanging a wasp trap near the shutters to capture and prevent new colonies from forming.
For rodents, place baited traps near the exterior of your window to catch any critters attempting to enter.

Regularly Check for Pest Nests and Remove Them Promptly

Even with preventive measures in place, you should regularly inspect the area behind the shutters for signs of pests. If you find a nest, take action immediately to remove it before it becomes a larger problem.

Action Steps:

Use a flashlight to check behind the shutters during regular inspections. Look for wasp nests, spider webs, or any signs of rodents.
Shutters installed on hinges allow for easier inspection by simply swinging them in to close over the windows, while fixed shutters installed on brackets can be removed.
If you find a wasp nest, take special care because they can become aggressive when threatened. Consider spraying first before attempting to remove the nest or calling a professional pest control service.

Professional Pest Control

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still find that pests are making their way behind your shutters, it may be time to consult a professional pest control service. Pest control experts can assess your home, identify potential entry points, and apply appropriate treatments to eliminate the problem.

Action Steps:

Contact a licensed pest control company to inspect your property.
Discuss the best long-term solutions to ensure pests do not return.
Consider regular pest control treatments to keep your home safe from future infestations.

Conclusion

Insects and pests are a nuisance in every part of the United States. By taking preventive measures such as sealing gaps, maintaining cleanliness, using natural repellents, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can ensure that your shutters remain pest-free. Regular inspection and maintenance will go a long way in keeping your home’s exterior clean and beautiful for years to come.