If you still find bugs in your home despite cleaning every day, the problem likely lies in the structural gaps unique to Korean housing. Pesticides alone aren't the answer; you must physically block their entry points. Today, Enkostay provides a practical guide to fortifying your sanctuary using affordable items easily found at local stores.
Quick Summary: The Key to Pest Control
Blocking the drainage holes at the bottom of window tracks with dedicated stickers.
Installing a drain trap in the deep passages of sinks and bathrooms.
Checking and sealing fine gaps between insect screens and gap pads (Pung-ji-pan).
Why do bugs keep entering even when windows are closed?
The main culprits are the 'water drainage holes' and the small gaps between sliding window frames. First, locate the small rectangular holes in your window tracks; these are highways for insects. Use 'mesh drainage hole stickers' to cover them. More importantly, check the corners where windows overlap. There should be an L-shaped plastic or rubber piece called a Gap pad. If it’s missing or loose, bugs will crawl through the gap. Insert a dedicated foam block to seal it, and if the "Mohair" (the fuzzy weatherstrip) is worn out, apply gap-filler tape to eliminate any space.
How can I stop bugs crawling up from the bathroom and sink?
Installing a non-return drain trap that only opens when water flows is the only fundamental solution. In Korean villas and studios, drain pipes are often interconnected between units, meaning pests can travel from neighboring houses to yours. Before purchasing a trap, measure the diameter of your drain. Most Korean drains follow a standard size, so a silicone or plastic 'check-valve trap' from Daiso will usually fit. Simply replace your drain strainer with the trap; it takes less than 5 minutes and blocks both bugs and foul odors.
What is the most common mistake with insect screens and delivery boxes?
If you slide your insect screen to the left, it often creates a large gap between the glass and the screen frame. Always keep your insect screen pushed to the far right so it aligns perfectly with the outer window frame. Additionally, cardboard delivery boxes are 'Trojan Horses.' Pests love laying eggs in the dark, moist gaps of corrugated cardboard. Develop a habit of unboxing deliveries immediately and disposing of the boxes at the recycling station rather than keeping them indoors.
Quick Korean Dictionary
벌레 (Beol-le): Insect / Pest
물구멍 (Mul-gumeong): Drainage hole
방충망 (Bang-chung-mang): Insect screen
배수구 (Baesugu): Drain / Sewage outlet
Protecting your home is the first step to a comfortable life. By sealing these tiny gaps, you are not just blocking bugs; you are reclaiming your peace of mind. Enkostay hopes these practical tips help you create a bug-free sanctuary in Korea. 🏠