Yes. Gaps around a window air conditioner can create pest entry points if the unit and surrounding panels are not tightly sealed.
Window air conditioning units are great when you need them, but the trouble is they don’t always seal the way they should. If you leave a window AC unit in place all winter long, bugs and rodents can sometimes get inside through the openings. Everything from the side panels to the foam seals and mounting hardware needs to leave no gaps, or else this is a real possibility.
It doesn’t help that window AC units tend to seal worse over time. AC units tend to move a little bit and this can cause seals to tear, shrink, or otherwise pull away. Insects, meanwhile, can use very narrow cracks to get in. Larger openings near panels or sills may also be usable by mice which are able to squeeze into holes the size of a dime.
Fall is the best time to look for potential entry points into your home. This is right when insects and rodents are looking for protected places where they are not as exposed to the elements.
The best thing you can do is inspect the installation from both the inside and the outside. Look for daylight, damaged foam, loose panels, gaps around the sash, and openings where the unit meets the window frame. If the air conditioner will not be used through winter and can be removed according to its installation requirements, restoring the window may simplify sealing. If it remains installed, make sure the weatherproofing and support system are still intact. Just make sure you don’t block drainage or otherwise do anything that may interfere with the operation of the unit.
If mice are active around or getting into your Chicago property, Mosquito Squad of Chicago can help identify rodent activity and determine an appropriate control approach. Call (630) 556-8315 or request a free quote online.
