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

by Ann

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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 !!

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 !
  
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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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