How can I keep wasps from coming through an outdoor vent?

by Ann

Answered

Ive been in my newly constructed home for 13 mos. Recently wasps have cone through an outside vent to the bathroom fan/light. I have an extended warranty but replacing the outside vent isn’t covered . Exterminators have come 3xs & at last the wasp haven’t reappeared. I was told by the builders office that if I replace it needs to be within code . I’m wondering if I can have some type of netting on the vent & it be in code . One neighbor said that the builder had told her that Wasp , bees and possibly a bird could come through !!

how can i keep wasps from coming through an outdoor vent

Outside vent where wasp come in ..

4 answers

Courtney |The Kitchen Garten on Sep 28, 2019

Here's a video that may be able to help you for a simple screen that you can use on your vent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJfhQ0vuzI

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- Ann on Sep 28, 2019
  
  Thank you !!
  
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- Courtney |The Kitchen Garten on Sep 28, 2019
  
  You're welcome!
  
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- Ann on Oct 01, 2019
  
  Thank you , Courtney !!
  
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Redcatcec on Sep 28, 2019

What has worked for us is placing an vent cover with mesh (up to code) and then coat the vent cover with a petroleum product when the wasps are not there. The petroleum product coats their wings and then they cannot fly. Keeping it simple and had to do a few repeat applications, the product we used was an automotive dashboard protectant called Armor All.
Best to you.

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- Ann on Oct 01, 2019
  
  Thank you !
  
  Helpful
Laura Cooper on Sep 28, 2019

These are good suggestions and keeping within code is not an issue for this type of modification.

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- Ann on Oct 01, 2019
  
  Thx Laura , but that’s what the builders office told me . I don’t Really understand why they said something has to be in code when apparently the vent must be defective & not in code now ?
  
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- Laura Cooper on Oct 02, 2019
  
  Ann, the fact is that bath fan terminations at the soffit is generally a bad idea. I found this article that explains and also discusses a decent option for a soffit termination that should resolve your problem. https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-better-bath-fan-termination-for-soffits
  
  The fact is that codes are designed to prevent problems such as insect and bird access as well as other hazardous scenarios. I would say that the code violation is probably a sloppy install that the builder did. From working with other builders in my area, I find that they try to take advantage of homeowner's lack of knowledge so that they don't have to do a necessary warranty repair.
  
  I highly suggest getting a free estimate from a contractor in your area with a good reputation. He will know the codes, problems and remedies. Then take that estimate to your builder as leverage. Having wasps enter your home through a bathroom exhaust is NOT normal.
  
  Best wishes!
  
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Becky at Flipping the Flip on Oct 01, 2019

Is it code or a homeowner's association's appearance requirements? I've never heard that there's a code for that. I imagine some kind of mesh needs to be installed securely otherwise they'll keep coming back. I would have the builder's office come out and fix it since it's an ongoing issue.

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- Ann on Oct 01, 2019
  
  Thx Becky , I actually talked to the builders office and since I’ve been living here a year they won’t come and do anything but they were telling me if I had to replace it would have to be in code?? I have an extended warranty for my house, but they said they don’t cover that either because it’s not mechanical ?? Thanks for replying.
  
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- Laura Cooper on Oct 02, 2019
  
  By the way..... HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) IS mechanical. This problem is a ventilation issue which is part of the mechanical system of the home. They are bluffing.
  
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