Home Care Challenge: Spring Vibes & Squeaky Doors
Spraying for Insects and Bugs. Testing and lubricate garage door.
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There’s something magical about that first weekend in spring when the sun is shining, the breeze is warm, and—for a brief moment—the pollen hasn’t arrived yet.
That was us just last weekend. We got together with our neighbors, pulled out some wine (cocktails for the husbands), and sat on their patio soaking it all in. The kids ran around in the yard, and for the first time in months, we weren’t all bundled in jackets or fighting off bugs. It felt like one of those ideal spring evenings you see in movies—blissful, peaceful, the kind of moment you want to bottle up and keep forever.
But of course, nature had other plans.
A few days later, the pollening hit hard. You could see footprints on the sidewalks from the layer of yellow soot coating everything. My allergies didn’t stand a chance. And as the weather warmed up, we also noticed another seasonal shift—more bugs creeping closer to the house and the garage door acting up at the worst possible time.
This is the season when all those little home maintenance tasks start showing up on the to-do list—spraying for bugs, checking the garage door, tidying up the yard. It’s not the most glamorous part of spring, but it’s worth tackling now before things get worse.
Here’s what we’ve been doing around our home this season, in case you’re also noticing squeaky doors or uninvited critters:
Spraying for Bugs (Before They Move In)
With spring in full swing, insects start emerging from their winter hiding spots looking for food, warmth, and shelter—which usually means they’re trying to get inside your house or garage.
To help keep them out:
Choose the right spray for your home, and remember there are natural alternatives if you're looking to avoid harsh chemicals. Essential oils like peppermint, or mixtures of vinegar and baking soda, can help repel ants, fleas, and roaches.
Spray the perimeter of your home, focusing on entry points like windows, doors, garage seals, and any foundation cracks.
Don’t forget outdoor living spaces—patios, decks, and furniture are popular hangouts for bugs, especially in the evening.
Always follow safety instructions on any pest control product, especially if you have pets or kids.
I try to make this a seasonal habit—at the start of spring and again before summer really kicks in.
Testing and Lubricating the Garage Door
Our garage door had been making this weird, sticky noise every time it opened—like it was groaning its way through each lift. We finally had a professional come take a look, and I’m so glad we did.
Not only did he lubricate all the moving parts, but he also replaced some original hardware that wasn’t the right weight grade for our door. Turns out, our builder had cut some corners, and the wrong hardware was putting a lot of stress on the system.
It was a good reminder that regular garage maintenance isn’t just about keeping things quiet—it can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
If you're tackling this yourself, here's a simple routine:
Test the door by opening and closing it a few times. Listen for grinding, sticking, or jerky movements.
Check the balance by pulling the release cord and manually lifting the door halfway. If it stays, you’re good. If it falls, it’s time to call a pro.
Lubricate the parts using a silicone-based spray (not grease, which attracts grime). Focus on rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs. Wipe away any excess.
Aim to do this twice a year—spring and fall are perfect reminders.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Between spraying for bugs and getting your garage door in shape, you’re not just checking off tasks—you’re keeping your home safe, comfortable, and functioning the way it should. Plus, when everything's working smoothly, it's a lot easier to actually enjoy those warm spring nights with a drink in hand and no creepy crawlers in sight.
Here’s to a happy, well-maintained home this season.
Happy spring cleaning!
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Products I used to tackle this week’s weekly home care challenge:
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