Bed Bugs

6 Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

One of a homeowner’s worst nightmares, bed bugs are a serious concern that requires prompt action in order to prevent from spreading. The sooner you are able to recognize the signs of an infestation and get a professional exterminator out to your house to diagnose and treat, the easier it will be for you to kill and remove bed bugs from your home.

Unfortunately, far too many homeowners allow the situation to escalate before seeking help because they simply do not recognize the signs of a bed bug infestation.

That’s what we’re here to talk about today.

How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs

To help you get back to a having a restful night’s sleep, let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms, signs, and indicators that every homeowner should be familiar with. Here are six of the most common indicators to be on the lookout for.






1. Bites, Bumps & Redness On Skin

This is easily the most common sign that homeowners will recognize right away. If you start noticing red or pink bumps on your skin, then you may be looking at a bed bug bite. In fact, you may not even notice you have these bumps until the itching or burning sensation starts to set in.

If it’s feasible, take a photo of the bites with your phone. This will help your doctor diagnose whether the bites are from bed bugs. At this time, it may be wise for you to contact your doctor to ensure you are getting the appropriate medical care.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Pay particularly close attention to the pattern and number of red bumps, as it is common for bed bugs to bite several times in a straight line or in one area. Are there numerous bites all appearing within the same localized area? This is a sign of bed bugs.

Bed Bug Infestation

2. Actually Seeing Bed Bugs

If you have a heavy infestation, it’s entirely possible that homeowners will actually be able to see bugs crawling around your bed sheets. If you are able to see them for yourself, then an exterminator needs to be contacted right away.

Spotting bed bugs for yourself is not always as easy as it seems. This is because bed bugs tend to be nocturnal, which means you may not be able to see them during the day. If you suspect you have an infestation of bed bugs in your home, try to inspect your sheets at night. Check every area of your bed, including all of the crevices and edges. Inspect and remove all of your bedding. You should also take a look at your box spring.

Bed bugs are very tiny, so you may need to look closely. They are almond-shaped with a reddish-brown color. It is also possible that you will see eggs in your bed, which means you have several generations of bugs that are infested within your sheets. In addition to the bed bugs themselves, look out for any excrement or skin that may have been left behind as well.


3. Presence of Exoskeletons

You may not see bed bugs for yourself after the infestation has grown, but it should be easier to spot the presence of exoskeletons. These are the hard shells that are used to provide structure to the bed bugs’ organs and muscles.

As bed bugs grow, they molt this skin and leave it behind. Seeing an exoskeleton on its own might be easy to dismiss, but remember, it is incredibly unlikely that an infestation has moved away or resolved itself on its own. If you find exoskeletons in your bed, then it’s very likely that you have bed bugs.






4. Blood Spots on Your Mattress

Another sign that you may have bed bugs in your home is if you notice tiny spots of blood on your bed sheets. This is because bed bugs feed by biting your skin and drinking your blood.

They will be more noticeable if your sheets are white or lighter in color. If you have dark sheets, then you may not notice them right away. You should also pay attention if there are any small, unexplained blood spots on your clothing or furniture. It is not unheard of for bed bugs to attach to clothing and become mobile. Unfortunately, this is a very common way for bed bug infestations to spread to other parts of your home.


5. Fecal Matter on Your Mattress

This one may be a little disgusting to think about, but another common sign of bed bugs is discovering small black or brownish spots on your bed sheets or mattress. These small spots could be feces produced by bed bugs.

To confirm whether these spots are actually excrement from a bed bug, you can take a mildly damp cloth and gently rub it over the spots.

Because bed bug excrement is generally just dried blood, a damp cloth will make these brownish spots red again. This is a strong indication that you may have an infestation in your home.


6. Strange Odor

It is also very common for bed bugs to create a very unpleasant odor. The description of the scent can vary, but many people describe it as either smelling like coriander or spoiled raspberries.

This smell is generally the result of the bed bugs releasing pheromones, but it can also be created by crushing the bugs. These odors are most often created when the infestation of bed bugs has increased drastically, so if you start smelling something in your mattress, then it is highly likely that your bed bug problem has escalated quite a bit.

Spot the Signs & Act Quickly!

Out of all signs and indications listed above, the most important one that homeowners should watch out for is actually seeing the bugs in your bed. If possible, try to capture one or more of the bugs to show an exterminator. This will prove beyond a doubt that the culprits are bed bugs and you can then proceed with the proper treatment to eliminate the infestation.

Obviously, no homeowner ever wants to deal with a bed bug infestation. But the sooner you can spot the signs of an infestation, the easier and more cost-effective it will be to kill and get rid of these unwanted pests. At the first sign of trouble, contact a pest extermination company near you in order to get a professional out to your home or business so that you can go back to getting a good night of sleep.



Gardening

5 Sustainable Gardening Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword or a flavor-of-the-month cause; it’s a way of life that supports the Earth! And, sustainability begins at home – which is why creating a sustainable, natural garden is always a wonderful idea.

Many homeowners use harmful fertilizers or pesticides, or even excess water, in their gardens, but these types of conventional gardening techniques may often be more detrimental to our planet’s health than you intended. Instead, it’s important for homeowners to create a self-sustaining, organic garden that’s free of as many chemicals as possible.

Are you just getting started on your environmentally-conscious journey? If so, it’s time to read up on five our sustainable gardening tips that every homeowner should know!





1. Use Native Plants

Using native plants in your garden is one of the overall best ways to ensure that your garden is in tip-top, sustainable shape.

But first… what are native plants?

In short, native plants are types of plants that are uniquely indigenous to your region or ecosystem and are adapted to local soils and your climate. There are tons of benefits when it comes to transitioning to a native landscape! Namely, this type of garden requires much less maintenance than a typical garden or lawn – this is because minimal watering is required, and you don’t have to use harmful pesticides or fertilizers.

In addition to this, a native plant garden has the added benefit of becoming a wildlife habitat for local birds and insects. Bottom line: Native plant usage allows for your developed landscape to coexist peacefully with nature, which is always the goal for any sustainable garden.

To get started, it’s recommended that you checki in with local garden experts to get ideas for plants that thrive in your area and vegetables that mature easily during your area’s growing season.

2. Mulch Your Garden

If you’re truly committed to a sustainable garden, using mulch is the way to go. Basically, mulch comes from organic materials, which helps to make your garden more resistant to pests; it also provides tons of valuable nutrients.

Mulching is also the best sustainable method for providing soil moisture and for preventing weeds from growing in your garden. Simply add a 2-inch layer of mulch to your garden beds and around your plants, and let the sustainable magic begin!

3. Cut Down On Watering

It’s important to use the least amount of water possible, when making the shift to sustainable gardening.

There are a few different ways to do this:

  • Native Plants Require Less Water — First, as we’ve already noted, using more native plants in your garden will automatically mean using less water.
  • Use a Rain Barrel — A popular option for homeowners is to install a rain barrel on one of your home’s downspouts, for collecting water to use for your plants.
  • Collect Leftover Water — Another water-saving trick we love is to use a shower bucket – just place a bucket in your shower to collect leftover water runoff, and then use that water for your garden and any other plants. Simple yet effective!




4. Grow Your Own Food

There are so many reasons to grow your own food! First, selfishly, it just tastes better — garden-fresh fruits and veggies are far superior to the same fruits and veggies you’ll find in a supermarket. And, from a sustainability standpoint, growing your own food just makes sense.

You get to control your garden’s growing environment, which means you can elect NOT to use dangerous chemicals and pesticides.

Plus, harvesting our own veggies and other garden items can help contribute to overall waste reduction, considering that organic waste is the second highest component of landfills in the U.S.

Need other incentives? Growing food in your home garden can help save money and become a super-fun hobby!

5. Start Composting

Composting is an integral component of any sustainable garden. Seriously, one of the best ways to jump-start your sustainable garden is by composting all your food waste.

Composting does a lot of great things for our planet: it enriches the soil, provides much-needed nutrients to our gardens, and contributes to less waste being produced at the landfill.

In addition, composting will also help you to use less water in your garden – this is because the organic material from your compost pile allows your soil to become more fertile and able to retain more water.


Ready to get started?

When it comes to creating your personal compost pile, you have a few options. First, you could elect to simply rake your leaves over your garden bed in the fall and winter; and/or you could collect all yard waste and organic materials, such as (eggshells, coffee grounds, all your veggie and fruit scraps, grass clippings, and even shredded newspaper, and place everything in a bin or a pile.

Over time, these combined materials will start to decompose back into the earth – like a science project, but for the earth’s benefit!

Do you use sustainable gardening practices in your home garden? Did we miss an important sustainable gardening tip or technique? Tell us in the comments below!


Composter

Composter Buying Guide: How to Find the Best Composter For You

It’s estimated that about a third of all food produced annually is thrown away before it can be consumed. Food waste is a growing problem… But, composting is a very simple alternative that allows homeowners to put some of their food waste to good use to help your garden grow and enrich the soil around your home.

Why You Should Start Composting

Composting is one of those great things in life that really does accomplish two things at once. You’ll not only generate less waste, but you can create rich fertilizer for your plants all at the same time. You can do your part to reduce the amount of rotting food and food scraps filling landfills while developing one of the best types of fertilizer possible.

To do composting well, you do need the right supplies and a basic understanding of how composting works. To help you find the best composter for your home, we have put together the following “Composter Buyers Guide” to get you started.





Types of Composters

There are three main types of composters you have to choose from, with a couple of subcategories within them.

Compost Bin

Compost Bin

The most basic type of composters on the market are stationary compost bins. These often look somewhat like trash bins, are meant to stay in one spot, and you can add to them from an opening in the top.

This type of composter often features a large capacity and a removable lid, to protect your compost from the elements and interested animals (although these do tend to attract animals more than some of the other options).

These break down compost more slowly than other options and you have to do the work of mixing the compost manually to keep the process going. And it can be a little more difficult to remove the compost and transport it to your garden with these. But they’re the most affordable option and their simplicity appeals to a lot of gardeners.

Why You Should Buy a Compost Bin:

  • Affordable.
  • High capacity.
  • Slower than other type of composters.
  • Require more work than other options.

Compost Tumbler/Rolling Composters

Composter Tumbler

Compost tumblers and rolling composters are designed to make it easier to turn the compost regularly as you go, mixing it more often to speed the process of breaking it down.

This type of composter generally come up off the ground, which makes them more animal-proof than any composters that sit on the ground. And it’s relatively easy to empty them into a container when the compost is ready in order to transport it to your plants.

Rolling composters are similar to compost tumblers in being easy to turn so you speed up the composting process, but they’re less stationary. If you want, you can roll the composter up the house to make adding to it easier, and roll it over to your garden or plants when it comes time to empty it.

Both types are more expensive than stationary compost bins and, while generally easier to use, can become harder to turn as they get heavier. But if you want something that makes the process easier and faster and is likely to hold up to longer use over time, a tumbler or rolling composter is worth investing in.

Why You Should Buy a Compost Tumbler:

  • More expensive than stationary bins.
  • Creates compost faster.
  • Very easy to use.
  • More animal-proof than other types of composters.
  • Can get harder to use as you add more to them.

Worm Bin / Worm Composter

Worm Composter

While both of the other options should definitely only be used outdoors, worm bins can actually be kept inside. These composters allow you to keep worms living in the compost bin where they can eat the kitchen scraps you toss in and convert them into nutrient-rich compost.

It’s the fastest option available and the worms consume your kitchen scraps before they start to get smelly, so you remove concerns about odors entirely. They’re also extremely low maintenance. The worms do most of the work for you so you don’t have to worry about turning or stirring the compost.

Worm bins are often more expensive than your other options, but for those with limited yard space or who want a faster, easier option, they’re worth the higher cost.

Why You Should Buy a Worm Bin:

  • Often more expensive than other types of composters.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Fast.
  • Can be used indoors.
  • Takes up very little space.

Gardening with Compost

12 Factors to Finding the Best Composter

In addition to selecting the right type of composter, you have a number of different factors to consider in order to help you select the right model.

1. Size

One of the first things to think about is size. If you’ll be keeping a composter in your yard (which is necessary for any type of composter other than worm composters), you should have a spot in mind for it before you choose which composter to buy so you can make sure to buy one that will properly fit. If you’ll be going with a worm composter and plan to keep it indoors, the same thing goes: where in your house will you be keeping it and how much space can you afford to give over to it?

Generally speaking, bigger composters will cost more and be harder to move if the need ever comes to do so. But they’ll have a higher capacity so you’re able to create more compost. If you have a lot of plants or a particularly large garden, being able to create a higher quantity of compost will be important.

2. Speed

The decomposition that turns your old leaves and food scraps into fertilizer takes time. With some composters, it will take a lot more time than others.

If you want compost fast, then a worm composter is your fastest option. Tumbler composters are usually more affordable than worm composters and not as fast, but if you stay on top of turning them regularly will break down the compost much faster than stationary composters.

There are a few other factors that influence how fast the composting process is:

  • Color — A black composter will absorb heat more, which cooks the compost and speeds up the decomposition process.
  • Aeration — Compost needs exposure to a certain amount of air in order to break down. Stationary bins should therefore have some slits or openings that let air in, and you should plan on turning tumblers or stirring the compost in stationary bins to give more of the materials the chance to be exposed to air. But you have to be careful, as too much aeration can mean the compost doesn’t get hot enough to cook adequately – which is why most tumblers are fully enclosed.
  • Moisture — Compost should be a little bit moist, without being too wet. If your compost gets either too wet or too dry, the composting process won’t work as efficiently. You ideally want your compost to have a moisture level equivalent to a wrung out sponge. When it gets too dry, water it a bit. When it gets too wet, add some more dry materials to it.
  • The Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio — This is where composting can get a little complicated. If you want your compost sooner rather than later, you need to get the ratio of green materials (kitchen scraps, grass clippings, egg shells) and brown materials (sawdust, fall leaves, straw, twigs) right. Experts recommend a ratio of about 30 parts brown materials to one part green materials. If you get the ratio wrong, you should still end up with compost, it will just take longer.

The composter you buy can make a difference in how fast the composting process goes, but you can also do a little bit to speed up the process with whatever type you get, if you so desire.

Compost Soil

3. Price

There’s a pretty wide range in the cost of composters. People that prefer to take the DIY route can throw something together pretty cheaply or even just create a pile for composting (although you risk attracting animals and having to deal with a nasty smell if you go that route). But if you opt to purchase a composter, you’re looking at anywhere from $50 for a low-end stationary compost bin to about $300 for a high-end worm composter.

Most composters of all types fall somewhere in the $80-$150 range though. If you’re able to spend somewhere within that range, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

When considering how much to spend, keep in mind that composting can save you money on fertilizer and reduce the amount of waste you produce each week. Your upfront cost will help you spend less over time.

4. Ease of Use

There are a few main factors that affect ease of use. One is how often you have to mix or turn it, and how much work is involved in doing so. Stationary compost bins can be hard to stir, whereas tumblers usually have a lever you can turn to mix the compost fairly easily. Of course, worm composters are the easiest of all since you never have to do anything to mix the compost.

Another factor to consider is getting the mix of nitrogen and carbon just right. This primarily matters if you’re hoping to speed up the process, but can get a little complicated to keep up with and get enough of the right materials at the right time. A big appeal of worm composters in comparison to the other types is that you simply don’t have to worry about any of this stuff at all.

And finally, you have to consider how difficult a composter will be to empty at the point where you need to access finished compost. With stationary composters, this can be difficult as you have to figure out how to get to the finished compost on the bottom while leaving the unfinished compost on the top – that is, unless you keep two stationary bins so one can cook while the other has new items added to it. Even in that case though, you have to remove all the compost from the bin and transport it to where you’ll be using it, which can be tricky.

Tumbler composters are often off the ground, so you can spin the composter to where the opening is facing the ground and dump the finished compost into a wheelbarrow or other container to transport it. And roller composters let you roll the composter right up to where you’ll be using it, but you’ll still need to deal with getting the compost out and spreading it around.

This is another category where the clear winner is the worm composter. Worm composters are designed to have several levels and the worms eat their way up the food scraps. That means the finished compost ends up in the bottom layer, which can be easily removed so you can empty the compost where needed.

5.How Durable the Composter Is

The durability of the composter you choose will generally have more to do with the material it’s made of and the quality of the construction than the type of composter it is. That said, in looking over reviews of various types of composters from different brands, tumbler and worm composters tend to fare better in this category than stationary composters.

Your best option for determining how durable a composter is likely to be before buying is to peruse the user reviews. People often take time to mention it if a composter they buy starts to show problems within the first few months or first couple of years, and some people will even come back years later to praise a brand or particular composter for lasting a long time.




6. How the Composter is Ventilated

As previously discussed, one of the key components in the composting process is making sure that the compost is exposed to just enough air (but not too much). For that reason, most stationary and rolling composters need to have some kind of slits or holes to let a little bit of air in. Tumbler composters don’t always include slits or holes, since the spinning process ensures the different parts of the compost get more access to air.

7. Pests

While most garden bugs that may access your compost are beneficial, larger animals like raccoons, opossums, and rodents are not. Compost piles and some stationary bins are at risk of attracting critters that make a mess of your compost in order to take advantage of the kitchen scraps. Compost tumblers and worm composters are generally more protected from critters and reduce your risk of having to deal with cleanup (and a slowed down process) after a raccoon scatters your compost about the yard.

8. Will the Composter Emit Unpleasant Odors & Smells

The composting process can be smelly. Worm composters manage to eliminate this issue entirely, since the worms consume the food scraps before they get the chance to rot. But for other types of composters, that rotting is simply part of the process.

A composter that’s made of a thicker material can reduce the amount of smell you have to deal with. You’ll probably notice the smell when you open your bin or tumbler to add more, but will be spared from it the rest of the time. Nonetheless, most people will want to keep their composter some distance from the house to be safe.

9. What the Composter is Made From

Most composters are made of plastic which is good for absorbing heat, which speeds up the composting process – especially if the plastic’s in a dark color. A few composters are made of wood, which means they’ll look nicer in your yard, but you have to be more concerned about rot, they won’t heat up as fast, and they don’t usually have as snug of a lid for keeping animals out. If you want a bin that looks nicer in your yard though, they pretty handily beat plastic composters in that category.

10. Is it a Multi-Bin Composter?

Many tumbler composters include multiple compartments so you can fill up one side and let it cook, while you start to fill the other side. That way the composting process isn’t slowed by the continual addition of new materials. Many people who compost will want either a composter with two compartments, or to get two composters for this reason.

With stationary bins, you can try to access the finished compost on the bottom while the new materials on top continue to cook, but that’s a tricky (and messy) process. Two compartments or bins side by side are much simpler.

Worm composters are the one exception. Their design makes it pretty easy to remove the bottom section where the compost is finished without having to worry about the food scraps above that aren’t done yet.

11. The Weight of the Composter

For stationary composters, weight doesn’t have to be much of a consideration, at least not once you have them installed and put into place. For anything you expect to have to move or turn, the heavier it gets, the harder that will be.

Consider the weight before you start filling it, and imagine what it’s going to be like once it’s full. If you’ll have a hard time turning the composter or moving it as needed, then you might need to consider a lighter alternative or plan on not filling it all the way.

12. How Easy it is to Assemble

While this is only an issue once, it can make a big difference in how satisfied with your composter you are soon after purchase. This is another factor where your best bet is to check the reviews of a composter before buying to see if it’s likely to be difficult to put together.

If you’ll be dealing with the assembly alone or know you generally aren’t great at putting things together, then you can steer clear of composters with a reputation for being difficult (or know in advance to ask a friend over to help).


Composting Accessories & Extras

  • Compost Bucket — Most people won’t want to run outside every time they do food prep to throw items in the composter. A compost bucket can sit on your kitchen counter and be added to until it’s full and you head out to dump it.
  • Compost Starter — Compost starter can help speed up the process of getting your compost cooking so it’s done sooner.

Conclusion

Compost is a fairly easy way to reduce your waste and make your plants happier. Figure out which composter makes the most sense for your home and make a move toward becoming greener in general, and more of a green thumb as well.


Natural Pest Control

Natural Pest Control: How to Control Bugs in Your Home

Commercial bug sprays get the job done fast, but our homes and environment pay a hefty price for overuse of insecticides, which can poison beneficial insects and wildlife. When you use sprays and foggers indoors, you also run the risk of making pets and children sick.

Fortunately there are lots of easy to use natural alternatives that actually work to repel and kill insects. Next time you get bugged and bitten by mosquitoes or when the ants on your counters are driving you crazy, you might check out some of the following “natural pest control” options.

How to Repel Insects With Essential Oils

Quite a few plants have insect-repellent qualities. There are a number of essential oils that will do the job, and a few living and dried herbs also can keep bugs away.

Try mixing a few drops of any of the following essential oils in a spray bottle filled with water, or add to a damp cloth, and wipe-down your counters and sinks. You can also place cotton balls with a couple drops of essential oils inside your pantries and cupboards, or even add a couple of drops to a bandana and tie loosely on your dog. However, never apply essential oils a pets’ skin or fur without consulting your veterinarian. Not only will bugs head the opposite direction, the oils will make your home smell fragrant and clean.

  • Clove
  • Lavender
  • Any citrus oil, including lemon, lime, and sweet orange
  • Mint, including peppermint and spearmint
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

You might also look for products containing cedar oil or shavings. These sprays, shampoos, and pet bedding are great to both repel and kill fleas and other biting insects. They are safe to use on both cats and dogs, and they smell great too!

For mosquitoes and flies, you can’t go wrong with lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, and neem essential oils. You can add a few drops to hand lotion to make your own insect repellent, but do not use eucalyptus or tea tree oil on pets — tea tree oil is particularly toxic to cats.

Some plants will also repel mosquitoes even as they grow in your garden. Consider planting lemongrass, catnip, rosemary, lemon balm, citronella, scented geraniums, mints, and marigolds around your patio or deck. These grow well in containers and hanging baskets. These plants will add color — and possibly culinary bonuses — to your yard, as well as keep the bugs at bay.

Tuck sprigs of rosemary and bay laurel leaves in your cabinets or under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to repel a variety of insects from food, paper products, and clothing.




How to do Pest Control at Home By Yourself

Below, we have highlighted some of the most common pest control problems for homeowners. If you have further questions of concerns, please start a conversation in the comments down below.

1. Fleas

For anyone who has pets, you know summertime is flea season.

If you know fleas are going to be an issue, a natural pest control method is to spray your yard and outdoor runs or kennels with beneficial nematodes in the early spring. These tiny parasites are safe for the environment and will control the outdoor flea population, significantly reducing the need for pesticides or flea medications on your pets. Throughout the spring and summer, also be sure to keep your lawns mowed and trim back all weeds, as this will help keep flea numbers down (and also help control mosquitoes and other biting insects).

How to Kill Fleas on Your Pets

For treating fleas on your pets, there are a few easy things you can try. Giving dogs a bath with non-toxic flea shampoos can substantially reduce the flea population in your home.

Many people swear by Dawn dishwashing detergent as the best flea shampoo out there. When you give your dogs a bath, suds them up and leave the shampoo on for at least 3-5 minutes. Rather than subject your cat to a bath, try using a flea comb to safely remove the majority of fleas. You can drop them into a cup of soapy water or diatomaceous earth to kill the fleas after you pull them from your pet’s fur.

How to Treat Flea Infestations Inside Your Home

If you have a flea infestation inside your home, you should vacuum regularly, wash all bedding, and use a steam cleaner to sanitize all the areas where your pet spends the majority of their time. These cleaning methods will significantly reduce the number of active fleas inside your home, as well as kill their eggs.

You can also sprinkle pet bedding with diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a fine white powder that is made from fossilized aquatic creatures, and contains significant quantities of silica. While entirely nontoxic to pets and humans, it kills fleas and other insects by getting into the areas of their exoskeleton and dehydrates them. Once you apply the powder, leave it for a few hours to kill fleas and then vacuum it up again.


2. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes aren’t just an itchy nuisance. Health officials warn of Zika and West Nile viruses spreading in the US. When it comes to cats and dogs, there’s also the added concern of heart-worm, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. With these illnesses becoming more common in the US, it’s imperative that you protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes and their nasty bites.

How to Reduce Mosquitos Outside Your Home

There are some easy things you can do outdoors to reduce mosquito populations. Be sure to regularly drain any standing water on your property. Water often collects in potted plants, wheelbarrows, tires, children’s toys, playscapes, and pet bowls. If you a pond, fountain, or birdbath in your yard, you should consider using mosquito dunks or granules that contain a non-toxic bacteria that prevents mosquitoes from breeding.

Keeping your lawn mowed will help with mosquito issues. Even better, consider inviting mosquito-eating bats to your property with low-profile bat houses that can be easily installed on your house or fencing.

Natural Methods to Repel Mosquitos

A safe alternative to bug sprays when spending time outdoors is citronella oil lamps and candles. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of citronella, and just adding a few of these can help make your entire patio safe for your next cookout or pool party. And when you absolutely need an all-natural repellent, look for products that utilize lemon eucalyptus oil. Even the CDC has recommended lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective alternative to DEET for repelling mosquitoes.




3. Bees and Wasps

While mosquitoes get most of the attention, there are a number of other flying insects that you don’t want interrupting your next picnic. Stinging insects like bees and wasps may be nuisances, but they are actually beneficial insects for the environment.

Because of the benefit these bugs provide, it’s important to leave them alone whenever possible. Many people want to kill wasps who build nests in their doorways, under eaves, or swarm on the porch. Instead of reaching for bug spray, consider making your house less appealing to them so they find another place to call home.

You can make a simple homemade repellent spray that will discourage rather than kill these helpful insects. Fill a spray bottle with water, a couple squirts of Dawn dish soap, a few drops of peppermint oil, and a pinch of powdered cinnamon and cayenne. Spray this mixture around your entryways and anywhere else these insects like to buzz around.

If you have an active and unwanted bee hive or wasp nest on your property, rather than destroy it, call out a professional beekeeper or natural pest control company that can attempt to relocate the nests rather than kill the insects.


4. Ants, Grain Moths, and Weevils

Several species of ants find their way into our homes in search of food or water. While it can be difficult to get rid of them even when using commercial products like ant bait, the good news is that there are much cheaper and easier options.

How to Make a DIY Cleanser for Ants

Because ants use their sense of smell to find food, you can disrupt their plans by cleaning your countertops and walls with a 1:8 mixture of vinegar and water. For even better control, consider adding several drops of peppermint or orange oil to your cleanser. This all-natural cleanser is a great everyday cleaner and will make your ant problems a thing of the past.

If you get ants or other bugs in your pantry, especially in your dry goods, try sprinkling some cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or diatomaceous earth — or a combination of the three — in the corners and along your floorboards. You can also put bay leaves in bins with flour, pasta, grains, and cereals. All of these all-natural methods will help control and prevent pests.

It’s also a great idea to invest in tightly-sealing plastic containers for items you keep in your pantry, such as flour, granola, and cereal. Not only will this help your food stay fresh for longer, but it will also prevent tiny insects from getting inside your food.

If you still have issues with weevils in your flour, we would strongly recommend storing it in your refrigerator or freezer.


5. Moths

Rather than using mothballs, — which are toxic — try making your own repellents by adding dried lemon peels or cedar chips into a stocking, and then tie it to a rack inside your closet. You can even make small individual sachets out of cheesecloth to hang around the neck of clothes hangers.

This is one of the best natural pest control methods for preventing moths from destroying your clothes.


6. Other Creepy Crawlers

To discourage centipedes, rolly-polly bugs, and silverfish, homeowners should try placing cotton balls with peppermint or eucalyptus oil around baseboards, behind bookshelves, and in damp locations. You can also add bay leaves or sachets with cedar shavings to boxes of papers or books.

When it comes to spiders, scorpions, and other crawling pests, on of the easiest non-toxic pest control techniques is to simply seal off access to your home. Caulk around window sills and doorways, and fill in holes around utility lines or plumbing.

If you’ve tried all of this and still can’t determine how/where insects are gaining access, then you should contact a local pest control company to provide a thorough inspection of your property and recommend improvements.





Final Thoughts on Natural Pest Control

Not only are these natural pest control options safer for the environment and your family, most are also less expensive and easier to apply than commercial alternatives. For example, although a bottle of essential oil may seem a little pricey at first, when you discover that one bottle will last many years, you’ll realize what a smart investment it can be.

Next time bugs get on your nerves, give one of these alternatives a try, and you might not ever want to purchase bug sprays again.


Bamboo

How to Remove Invasive Bamboo from Your Yard

Bamboo is a popular ornamental plant in many areas with warm climates, but if yours has gotten out of control, then it can be a massive headache. Removing invasive bamboo isn’t always an easy process, but with a little bit of planning, it is quite doable. Here are a few tips for removing invasive bamboo in your yard.

What is Bamboo?

Native to tropical forests, bamboo is a type of grass that has a thick, woody stem, with stalks that can vary from a few millimeters around to nearly four inches in diameter. It can also be a very hardy plant, in some cases surviving freezing temperatures. Even though the stalks are hollow, the tensile strength of mature bamboo can be as strong as steel.
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Bamboo is world-famous for being the fastest known growing plant. Most species can grow several feet in a month, with some kinds growing as much as three feet per day! Additionally, bamboo can spread outward as well as upward — runner bamboo can spread nearly 15 horizontal feet per season.

This plant spreads by sending out new shoots, rather than by spreading seeds. The root system grows outwards from the base, occasionally sprouting new stalks. This makes it very difficult to eradicate unless the entire root system can be completely removed, and since a single growth can extend for acres, this might be a difficult task.

How to Prevent Invasive Bamboo Growth

If you’ve lost control of the invasive bamboo in your yard, have a neighbor whose bamboo patch is spreading, or even live next to a forested area, then you know how tough it can be to deal with. Bamboo is an invasive species in many areas, and even when it’s native to a location, it’s still hard to keep it out of your yard. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent this weed from growing in your yard.

Prevention, of course, is the best treatment. If you notice bamboo encroaching in your yard or want to control a plant of your own, start by putting up a barrier. It should be made of concrete or metal for maximum effectiveness; wood often works for a few years but will eventually decompose in the soil. The barrier should extend at least two feet below the ground and six inches above it. Be vigilant and cut back any shoots that try to sneak over it.

If it’s too late and you already have a invasive bamboo infestation, then not all is lost. There are steps that you can take to eliminate it — although these steps may not be the obvious ones.




3 Tips to Eliminating Visible Bamboo Growth

So what does work? If your invasive bamboo has grown particularly tall, then your first step should be to cut it back to a manageable height. This can be done with a machete (for large shoots) or pruning shears (for smaller ones). If you have extremely small or tender bamboo, then you might be able to use your lawn mower to trim it. Cut as close to the ground as possible to make the next few steps easier.

There are three basic steps you should take to eliminate invasive bamboo from your yard. You should:

  1. Cut Shoots

    Make sure that when you’re eliminating bamboo, don’t leave the bamboo shoots, root systems, or other waste near your yard where the bamboo can spread again. If your city has a green waste program, check to see if they accept bamboo. If not, the plants can be composted (without the roots), burned, or even used for arts and crafts. Just don’t let them back into your yard.

  2. Dig Deep

    The next step is to eliminate as much of the root system as possible. Dig up the bamboo clumps, eliminating as many of the shoots and tendrils as you can find. You may have to go as deep as two or three feet to make sure that you’ve gotten it all.

  3. Apply Herbicide

    After a few days, the bamboo will probably start to crop up again, although it will most likely be thinner than before. When you first encounter these small shoots, kill them right away. Use maximum strength herbicide to poison the plant. You can either spray it directly on the leaves, or (for the best effect) cut the plant back and dab the herbicide directly onto the freshly cut stem. After about a week or so, the plant will begin to appear brown; this means that it is dead or dying. Once this happens, dig it up again.

    This process can be helped along by placing a plastic barrier over the plant and anchoring it with rocks or landscape pins. Not only will this block sunlight from getting to the plant, it will help prevent rainwater from diluting the herbicide and intensify the effects.

Organic Alternative to Herbicides

If you dislike using chemicals like herbicide in your yard, one organic solution is to pour boiling water over the plant. The extreme heat will kill the bamboo without harming your soil. However, this many not be as effective for larger infestations.




Treatments to Avoid

What doesn’t work when you’re trying to remove invasive bamboo? Simply cutting it back is rarely effective, because this doesn’t deal with the root system. The plant will just send up new shoots in a matter of days or weeks. Using some substances such as rock salt or bleach might help, but they can also damage your soil and make it difficult to grow anything after the bamboo is removed. Trying to burn the bamboo can actually make the problem worse, since it not only leaves the root system intact but enriches the soil with extra nutrients. And purchasing a panda to eat the bamboo isn’t really a feasible option.

What you should do if nothing else is working

If none of these solutions are working, then there is one more drastic option that you can take. You may need to not only eliminate the bamboo plant, but also the topsoil in your yard. This step combined with concrete barriers can eliminate bamboo once and for all. However, since it’s an expensive and difficult process, you might be better off trying the other options mentioned here first.

Conclusion: Don’t Give Up!

A hardy bamboo plant can live for decades, so eliminating bamboo is not a one-time process. Two or three years of dedicated treatment may be necessary to make your yard completely bamboo free. Don’t give up hope, though, and keep fighting that plant — eventually you’ll be able to eliminate it and enjoy a bamboo free yard.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

5 Benefits of Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

How a Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Will Benefit You

The idea of centrifugal separation vacuuming has been around since at least the 20’s, but the most recent trend toward this technology, and the bagless vacuum, was the making of James Dyson who introduced his first unit in 1979. They gained in popularity especially in the 1990’s and soon other big name vacuum manufacturers, such as Hoover and Shark, adopted examples of the technology.

What makes a bagless vacuum a good decision?

Most bagless vacuums have much the same options their bagged counterparts including; motorized brushes, all the extensions and add-ons and running lights, but they have some standout characteristics. Below, we have taken a closer look at five benefits that bagless vacuum cleaners have over their bagged counterparts.

1. Less Loss of Suction

You know those times your vacuuming along, really putting a dent in the house cleaning, and you feel that slow dread rising as you realize dirt particles aren’t staying in the vacuum. A kernel of popcorn is sucked away as you pass over it only to be spat back out a moment later. You pull the hose, placing your hand against the end and sure enough, the satisfying slurp and high whine of good suction is not to be found.

Vacuum Cleaner Bag

Does the bag need to be changed? You expose the vacuums guts and tentatively poke at its stomach. It seems only half full. But something has stolen suction, so you pull the bag off the fitting, see nothing, replace it on the post, close it up and start the vacuum again. And suction is back, but still not quite what it is with a brand new bag.

Okay, it doesn’t always happen like this, but I’m sure this has happened to you at least once. Overall bagged vacuum cleaners preform admirably, but we all know that they have a tendency to slowly lose suction as the bag fills.

Bagless vacuums lose far less suction as the dust collection cup fills and often even continue to have good suction when the cup is almost completely full. But there is also less chance of the dust cup becoming completely full; it’s transparent and you know exactly when it needs emptying.





2. Bagless Vacuums Are Environmentally-Friendly

Bagless vacuums are better for the environment. Every bag takes resources to make, takes resources to transport to the store where you will purchase it. Every bag you use and throw away goes into a landfill. It may seem a small thing but when you’re trying to live greener the small things add up.

With a bagless vacuum you are not taking part in the using of those resources and the only thing you are throwing away is the dust and other debris sucked up off the floor. You are not adding to it by throwing away the container too.

3. Satisfaction of Seeing Your Work

There is something very satisfying about being able to look through the transparent plastic canister and see all the dirt and grime you’ve gotten off the floor. Like a salesman working hard to sell the vacuum, you may find yourself running to someone else in the house just to show how much you’ve picked up, how messy the house really was, and pointing out, yes it actually really did need to be cleaned.

Bagless vacuums also make it tons easier to find that jack of Jimmy’s or little Mary’s doll barrette, sucked away in a moment of poor floor scrutiny. There’s no having to cut into a bag to get at lost items, just dump the canister carefully in a trashcan lid and easily fish out the once missing treasures.

4. Easy To Empty

Bagless canisters are also very easy to empty. Usually only requiring a release from the vacuum body and a snap of the bottom or top canister lid. You want to do this over an outside trashcan and as close to the bottom as possible, because all the dust can easily turn into a big cloud if some care is not taken.

This also brings up the point of allergies. Bad allergies may be a good reason to stick with bagged vacuums. But many bagless vacuums now have HEPA filtration built right in and if done carefully and with a little thought these canisters can be emptied with minimal allergic reactions; and, going back to the green point, a single reusable allergy face mask worn when emptying the canister is greener then throwing bag after bag away.

After emptying the canister, you also have a unique opportunity to clean the inside of the bin and perhaps wash/replace the filters. Taking the extra couple of minutes to clean your machine will go along way in keeping it in top working condition.





5. No Fussing with Bags

I know I’ve found myself in the situation where I’m in a cleaning mood. I start vacuuming and realize the bag needs to be changed, so I start searching… where did I put those, in closets and drawers until finally I conclude that I have no more bags, so, an extra trip to the store to get bags. It’s a hassle, at least for those lacking in their organization. With a bagless vacuum cleaner this is just not a worry. When you’re ready to clean, the vacuum is ready to clean.

There is some maintenance with bagless vacuums. The filters need to be cleaned periodically to maintain best performance. Most are easily washable. They will also need to be replaced once-in-awhile, but far less often than you would be buying bags (again the greener part).

There’s also a reason most handheld, stick, and robot vacuum cleaners are bagless, this type of technology is more easily molded into these less conventional vacuum configurations. Not to mention more favorable by consumers.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether purchasing a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner remember to do some research on the pros and cons of each type. It is important to purchase a well-designed and easy-to-use vacuum. After all, if you don’t like to use the vacuum it makes cleaning that much more of a chore. Bagless vacuums are not inherently better than vacuums that require bags, but they do offer a greener, more hassle-free cleaning experience for those that would like the option.


Steam Mops vs. Steam Vacuums: The Pros & Cons

What is a Steam Cleaner?
What Are the Benefits of Using Steam to Clean?
The Pros & Cons of Steam Mops
The Pros & Cons of Steam Vacuums
Which One is Best for You?

A decade ago, having a steam cleaning vacuum or a mop that was fancier than a stick with dreadlocks was pretty much a dream for your average homeowner. Over the last few years, however, an influx of technological advances and new features have created a wide variety of steam cleaning devices that have completely revolutionized the way we clean our homes.

We now not only have budget-friendly steam cleaners available to the average consumer, but we have choices between different types. For the purpose of this article, I’d like to focus on the differences between steam mops and steam vacuums. Weighing the pro’s and con’s of these two popular types of steam cleaners will give you the opportunity to make the best purchase for you and your family.

So, before you rush out and buy the first unit you come across, let’s take a closer look at the benefits, disadvantages and the differences between steam mops and steam vacuums. But first, let’s take a step back and review what exactly a steam cleaner is, and why every homeowner should own one.

What is a Steam Cleaner?

As the name suggests, a steam cleaner uses steam to clean your floors and carpets, mainly, but can also be used to clean your clothes, curtains, and a whole host of other areas and objects in your home.

On a personal note, as a father of an infant, my handheld steam cleaner is the easiest way to sanitize the toys my teething son loves to chew on. So, you may very well be surprised at what all you could clean with a steam cleaner.



What are the benefits of using steam to clean?

Let’s go over five of the most obvious benefits of using a steam cleaner to clean and sanitize your home.

  1. Hygienic Cleaning:

    Steam and the heat it produces can kill around 99% of the germs, bacteria and parasites that may be lurking around your home. That means that whatever surface you steam clean is completely disinfected and sanitized. More so than could ever be achieved by a vacuum or swiffer alone.

  2. Kills Almost Everything:

    Not only does steam kill germs and bacteria, but it can also kill pests and insects. This would include the microscopic pests you probably don’t even realize are there, such as dust mites. The steam is hot enough to kills ants, ticks, fleas and other common household pests. If you’re using a steam vacuum, it kills the pests with the steam, and then sucks up their remains.

  3. Chemical-Free Cleaning:

    The steam cleaners only use steam to clean and sanitize your homes. While some models may allow you to add chemical cleaners, they are not necessary to kill off the germs and bacteria that may be contributing to your dirty home. Maybe it’s just me, but the less chemicals used in my home, especially on the floors where my kids play, is nothing but a good thing. Not only does this help you clean your home, it helps establish a safer environment for your children and pets.

  4. Works Quickly / Saves You Time:

    Not only does the steam soften up the hard-to-clean stains, it also allows you to clean those trouble areas quicker and more efficiently. If you were to use a swiffer or traditional mop, you’d have to wait for it to dry, and possibly, re-clean areas that you may have used chemicals on.

  5. Air Purification:

    While this seems like a stretch, because of the filters that they use, some steam cleaners actually help clean the air as you clean the floors. While this is a benefit, it should be noted that an air purifier is still the most effective method at cleansing the air in your home. But, a steam cleaner can help supplement the air purification process, as can certain houseplants.

Bottom-Line:

The bottom-line here, is that a steam cleaner is a great way to safely and efficiently clean your home, especially the floors. But, you still have to figure out which type of steam cleaner is best for your situation. So, let’s now take a look at the differences between two of the most popular versions — steam vacuums and steam mops.

Steam Mop: The Pros & Cons

A steam mop is a common household appliance that helps you clean your carpets and floors without the use of harsh chemicals. Unlike a traditional mop that requires soap and detergents to clean the floors, steam mops utilize the heat of steam to sanitize, clean and disinfect the floors. Because the device uses steam, it is able to kill approximately 99% of the germs, bacteria and dust mites that may be on your floors, as well as clean up the dirt and grime that may be noticeable.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of steam mops to give you a better idea of what you can expect to get out of it.

The Pros:

  • No Bucket Required:

    Cleaning with a steam mop eliminates the need to have a container filled with water. The old-fashioned method of mopping would require a bucket of soapy water and a dirty mop that you would need to wring frequently. This is not the case with a steam mop. Simply fill up the canister with water and you cleaning your floors has never been easier.

  • Save Time & Energy:

    Piggybacking on the previous pro listed above, working with a steam mop will save you time, energy and, ultimately, help cut down on the fatigue you may experience while doing these necessary chores. Not only is a steam mop easier to use, it’s more sanitary and efficient than a conventional mop.

  • Environmentally Friendly & Healthier Home:

    Because a steam mop uses intense heat in the form of steam, you don’t need to use any chemicals to achieve a hygienic cleansing on your floors. Whereas, with a traditional mop or swiffer, you will need to mix detergents, bleach and other potentially dangerous chemicals to achieve the same level of cleanliness. And then follow-up with clean water, if you don’t want those chemicals lingering around.

  • Lightweight:

    A steam mop is a compact, small and lightweight appliance. While the sizes and shapes will vary from model to model, they are typically smaller than steam vacuums and/or a traditional (non-steam) vacuum cleaner.

  • Easier to Store:

    Because of its smaller size, a steam mop is very easy to store when not in use. It’s compact, lightweight dimensions allow you to store it in many areas of your home. Even those with little storage space available. The same cannot always be said about vacuum cleaners, whether they use steam or not.




The Cons:

  • Not Multi-Surface Friendly:

    Steam mops are typically designed to clean hardwood and tiled floors only. There is a myth out there that you cannot clean carpets with a steam mop, but that’s merely a myth. You may need to purchase an extra attachment or accessory, but there are many steam mops out there that can clean both carpets and hard floors. However, you cannot clean as many areas in your home as you can with a steam vacuum cleaner, including furniture, curtains and other upholstered items. At least, it’s not an easy task to accomplish.

  • Extra Prep Time:

    In order for you to get the most effective clean with your steam mop, it is strongly recommended that you sweep the floors before you start to mop. Unfortunately, this will increase the amount of work you have to do to achieve clean and sanitized floors.

  • Doesn’t Get As Hot:

    A steam mop gets the water/steam hot, however, the water does not heat-up as hot as other types of steam cleaners. Again, this will vary from model to model, but if you can’t achieve that necessary heat, you will have a slightly harder time achieving the same level of cleanliness that you could get with other types of steam cleaners.

Bottom-Line on Steam Mops:

The steam mop is a fantastic choice for anybody that is addicted to “swiffering” their floors. While they are designed for hardwood, tiled and laminate floors, there are plenty of models out there that can help you clean your carpet as well. Not only does its smaller size make it easier to store, it’s also easier to maneuver than its steam vacuum counterpart. And, on average, steam mops come with a lower price tag. It’s certainly better than a traditional mop, but depending on what all you want to clean, it may or may not be the best steam cleaner for your situation.

Steam Vacuums: The Pros & Cons

A steam vacuum, sometimes referred too as a steam vac, is basically a vacuum cleaner that has an extra feature that utilizes steam to help it clean and sanitize your floors more effectively than just vacuuming alone. Depending on the model that you get, it’s possible that you can clean more than just your floors, instead using it to clean your furniture, drapes and other upholstered furnishings in your home.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of steam vacuum cleaners.

The Pros:

  • Multi-Surface:

    Steam vacuums can be used on a multitude of surfaces, including carpet, wood floors, tiles, furniture, curtains and other upholstered furnishings in your home.

  • Multi-Dimensions:

    Just as it can be used to clean all sorts of surfaces, steam vacuums can also be used to clean both horizontally and vertically, which makes it useful when cleaning walls, windows and cars.

  • No Prep:

    Unlike other types of steam cleaners, it is not necessary for you to sweep the floors before you use it. The vacuum will suck up the dirt and debris, allowing the steam to clean and sanitize the floor. This not only saves you time, but also provides a deeper clean.

  • Environmentally Friendly:

    You don’t need to use any chemicals or other potentially dangerous substances on your floor. The steam will kill off 99% of germs, bacteria, insects and microscopic parasites that may be living on your floors.

  • Self-Contained:

    You don’t have to hook this appliance to your kitchen sink in order for it to drain. It has its own water tank contained on the device. The size of the tank will vary from unit to unit, and is something that should be taken into consideration when shopping.




The Cons:

  • Bulky:

    Even though steam vacuums get smaller and sleeker as the years go on, they still tend to be a bit bulky. Depending on the model you get, and the surface you are trying to clean, this bulkiness may make it a little more difficult to maneuver.

  • Expensive:

    When compared to a regular vacuum cleaner or a steam mop, a steam vacuum will likely be more expensive. This “con” is a bit anecdotal, as the prices will range based on the brand, model and features of the unit. But typically, they tend to have a higher price tag.

  • Noisy:

    Just like your average vacuum cleaner, a steam vacuum can be a bit noisy. At this point, the louder noise is expected with this type of cleaning appliance.

  • Hard to Store:

    Because of its large and bulky size, a steam vacuum may be hard to store. Again, this “con” is dependent on the size of the model you own and the amount of space available in your home. It may not be an issue for you, but is something that should be taken into consideration.

Bottom-line:

A steam vacuum is great for people with a variety of flooring, including a large amount of carpeted area, in their homes. It can thoroughly clean any flooring type, and do so without any previous prep work from you. It’s also a great device to help you clean other areas in your home, such as furniture and curtains.

Unfortunately, the bulky size may make it difficult for some to use and store. All in all, steam vacuums are extremely handy to have around, but may not be the best fit for everyone.


Steam Mop or Vacuum: What’s Right for You?

As you consider which steam cleaner is best for you and your situation, you have to think about what you plan on using it for. Do you have a lot of carpets to clean? Maybe that means a steam vacuum would be better for your household. Do you only have one room with carpets and the rest are laminates? Perhaps the mop would be better suited for such a household.

The fact of the matter is that both the steam vacuum and the steam mop come with their own set of pros, cons and uses. You have to consider your budget, what you need to clean, how often you would use it and how much time you would be able to focus on cleaning. These factors will all affect which type of steam cleaner is right for you. In the end, it is up to you, so you have to get what you think you will be happiest with.

Keep in mind, steam cleaning is a great way to really kill germs, pests and bacteria on your floors, not to mention help remove stuck on stains and other residue. If you’re consider getting a steam cleaner, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of the vacuum or the mop, and get whichever is right for you. Don’t rent another steam cleaner.


How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Your sprinkler system is an important part of your landscaping. Lawns, trees and plants are very expensive to replace, so it is important to protect and maintain your sprinkler system at all times. Before the temperatures drop with the onset of winter, it’s important that homeowners take the appropriate steps to winterize their sprinklers.

Without the proper preparation, you may be facing expensive repairs to your sprinkler system or the loss of established trees, shrubs, or flowers. And expensive repairs are the last thing that any homeowner wants, especially when a bit of preventative maintenance can avoid this altogether.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

First things first, if possible, look in the owner’s manual for how to winterize your sprinkler system and follow those directions to ensure that you don’t void a warranty or make any other mistakes.

If you’re unable to find the original owner’s manual or just want some quick tips to winterize your sprinklers, we’ve put together several important tips that every homeowner should be aware of.

1. Shut Off the Water

The first thing to do as winter’s freezing temperatures are drawing near is to turn off the water to your sprinklers. Make sure to shut it off at the main valve. Your sprinkler system’s shut-off valve should be housed in a space where it can’t freeze. If this wasn’t done during the installation, perform this task before the frigid weather arrives.

2. Turn Off the Controller

Once you’ve gotten the water turned off, you need to shut off the timer, also known as the controller. Timers sometimes have settings marked rain mode. If yours doesn’t, you will need to disconnect it from the power source.

If your controller is outdated, you may want to update to a model such as a solid-state controller, which has digital displays for time settings as well as efficient energy usage to reduce your electric bills.




3. Remove Backflow Preventer

Your system has a device to prevent backflow, which is great for lawn-watering season, but during the winter, it must be removed and stored safely until spring. After it is removed, it’s time to drain the water.

How to Remove Backflow Preventer:

  • First, you can try to siphon it out.
  • If siphoning doesn’t work, pump it out with a shop vacuum designed for wet/dry use.
  • It’s helpful to attach duct tape to the hose in order to narrow the opening.
  • Drain above ground valves and store them, as well.
  • You can use pipe-heating cables on some areas, but this can be problematic in case of power failures.

4. Drain Water From Pipes

It’s absolutely crucial that you drain all the water from your irrigation system. If any water is left in the system, it’s possible for the pipes to freeze, which will lead to the pipes cracking or bursting once the water starts to expand.

You can use a shop vacuum to do this process, which can be time consuming, or you can take an easier route. The simpler alternative method to clear your sprinkler valves is to blow them out.

How to Blow Out Irrigation System

Below are the steps to help you blow out your sprinkler system and remove all water from the lines. It’s important that you have the right safety eye protection prior to starting this process. If you have any doubts, it would be best to call a professional.

  • Get a large compressor: To drain your valves with the blowout technique, you’re going to need the right equipment: a compressor with 50 cubic feet per minute rating. It’s imperative that the regulator valve gauge on your compressor is accurate.
  • Take off the backflow prevention: If you have an anti-siphoning lock on your valve, remove the entire mechanism.
  • Turn on the air compressor: Connect this equipment to the backflow-prevention riser.
  • Switch on valves: Using the automatic controls, turn on your valves one at a time as you blow out your irrigation system. It’s best to start with the highest elevation and open the hand valves manually.
  • Turn on compressor: Take your time and gradually increase the pressure. If it’s too hot or powerful, attach a hose length to modify it.
  • Blow out the H2O: Watch the pressure gauge and temperature as you slowly blow the water out.
  • Move to the following valve: One by one, move around your yard, blowing out each valve. Repeat this process until the draining process has been completed.
  • Blow out main line: You’ll also need to blow out your irrigation system’s main line if it has one.
  • Finish up: At the end, you’ll need to replace caps, set rain mode or turn your power source off.

5. Protect Spigots & Hoses

In addition to protecting pipes and valves, you can also safeguard other parts of your landscape-watering system, including:

  • Spigots: Protect the spigots by covering them with Styrofoam protective devices that can be found at home improvement stores.
  • Hoses: Drain water from garden hoses and store them in an area away from ice and snow to prevent cracking.



Get to Know Your Irrigation System

While it’s not entirely necessary, it’s wise to have a good understanding of the ins-and-outs of your sprinkler system before you start the winterizing process. You don’t have to be an expert, but, if possible, every homeowner should learn what they can about the following:

  • Drain Valve Locations:

    Your system should have drain valves at each pipe’s low point. You also need them at high points, so air can be released; otherwise, the water won’t be able to drain properly.

  • Slope of the System:

    When a sprinkler system is installed, there should be a slight slope to allow for easy draining.

  • Auto-Drain Valves:

    If you install automatic drain valves, your annual winterization can be greatly streamlined.

Create a Map of Irrigation System

It would be helpful to have a diagram or map that tells you where all of the sprinkler heads, valves, and watering zones are located. This will not only help you stay organized, but also make it easier to upgrade, repair or winterize your sprinkler system.

Once you create your irrigation map, keep it in a waterproof and convenient location. This will ensure that it remains helpful and ready all year round.

Know Your Region’s Climate

Before performing any winterizing steps, take time to think about the climate in that your home is located in.

If it snows only once in the season and the temperature barely hits freezing, then you may not have to winterize your irrigation system at all. On the flip side, if your home is in an area that always has freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, then you will definitely need to prepare your irrigation system for the deep freeze.

This is where a professional can be a real help. They know the area well and will be able to tell you how to best prepare your sprinkler system for winter.

Takeaways

If you want a beautiful yard when spring arrives, there are many tasks that a homeowner should do to prepare their yard for winter. One of the most important is to winterize your sprinkler system.

Because it’s a moderately difficult DIY project, consider hiring a professional to do the job for you. You and your front yard and backyard will be glad you did.

relative-humidity

Relative Humidity: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Relative humidity is an important factor of the indoor air quality in your home. As such, it’s wise for homeowners to educate themselves about what relative humidity is, as well as how they can control it in order to protect their homes and family members.

As weather changes and temperatures move up and down the thermometer, relative humidity changes, as well. Homeowners should learn about how the humidity in their homes impacts air quality, wellbeing, and building structures. Excess moisture can damage the structural integrity of a house, plus lead to mold, mildew, and a wide variety of ailments for anybody living within. By controlling our indoor humidity, homeowners have the ability to prevent all sorts of problems.

What Makes Healthy Indoor Air?

Considering we spend the vast majority of our time inside, the indoor air quality of your home or office is so crucial that the EPA considers it a substantial environmental threat. In order for air inside a structure to be considered healthy, it should be:

  • Free of toxins
  • Fresh & well-ventilated
  • Less than 50% RH

In order to have fresh air, buildings must be well-ventilated to flush out pollution and airborne particulates. An air purifier is a great way to instantly improve the indoor air quality of your home. Outdoor air should flow in and out of a building, and allergens and harmful airborne particles should be kept at an absolute minimum.

What is Relative Humidity?

Relative humidity is a measurement of water vapor being held at a specific temperature compared to the amount it could hold. This calculation is usually expressed as a percentage. As temperatures rise and fall, the capacity of the air to hold the H₂O is impacted. The warmer the temps are, the more moisture the atmosphere can contain. When air cools down naturally, its moisture-holding abilities are diminished.

Once this happens, there are many variables that may affect an individual’s comfort level, such as their health, clothing, or physical activity at the time. Of course, everyone has their own personal preferences, but for the most part, humans are typically most comfortable when relative humidity stays between 20% and 60%.

While this may be the broad comfort range for your average person, however, it is not recommended to allow the relative humidity levels to rise above 50% inside your home.




What is the Ideal Humidity Levels For Homes?

Between 30-50%. To prevent mold growth, the EPA recommends keeping “indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.”

Depending on whether you’re using a heater or air conditioner to help control the temperature, homeowners may change the humidity levels in their home to make the air feel more comfortable.

Confused? The Paper Towel Metaphor.

If the concept of relative humidity seems confusing, you’re not alone. It may help to think of a concrete example such as a paper towel.

Have you tried to mop up a spill with a paper towel? After the towel is saturated, it can’t hold any more liquid. This would be considered 100% capacity; whereas if the sheet could still absorb a bit more, it would be a lesser percentage, such as 70%. Air’s capacity to hold moisture is similar to the paper towel’s; when it can hold no more, it has reached 100%, and this is known as its dew point.

How Can Excessive Humidity Affect Your Home?

You can use your senses to determine if your home has a problem with excess humidity. Unless you live in a dry desert, chances are you’ve noticed a few of these red flags:

  • Mold growth.
  • Warped boards or wood floors.
  • Musty smell, especially in crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
  • Bubbling or peeling paint.
  • Wallpaper peeling away from walls.
  • Stickiness on surfaces.
  • Condensation on windows or other areas.
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls.
  • Sneezing and other allergic reactions to inhaling dust mites.
  • Moisture build-up on ceilings or inside closets.
  • Frequently-fogged windows.

Is Excessive Humidity Unhealthy To Live In?

It is not healthy to live in a house that perpetually has too much moisture in the air. Many of these ailments develop as a result of mold exposure and other issues that homeowners face when there is too much humidity in their home.

For further research, here are a few studies that discuss the potential health effects associated with relative humidity.

  1. “Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – An overview.” (PMID: 29398406)
  2. “Indirect health effects of relative humidity in indoor environments.” (PMID: 3709462)
  3. “The dichotomy of relative humidity on indoor air quality.” (PMID: 17499853)



Can A Dehumidifier Help With Relative Humidity?

Yes. If there is too much moisture inside your home or office, a dehumidifier can be utilized to help you remove the excess moisture and get your relative humidity back at an ideal level.

These devices have many uses and benefits for homeowners, but its most common purpose is to help extract H₂O from your indoor air, as well as help remove any musty odors that may be lingering as a result of too much moisture. Once that water has been removed, it will either be collected within the unit or pumped away automatically, depending on the type of dehumidifier you are using. To get rid of excess water by vaporizing it, an ionic membrane dehumidifier may be used.

Can A Humidifier Help With Relative Humidity?

Yes. Just as there are many reasons to remove moisture from the air, there are also many reasons why moisture in the air is beneficial. Striking the right balance of relative humidity is the key to having comfortable indoor air.

If your home is lacking humidity, you can help correct this by using a humidifier. Because they add moisture to the air, humidifiers can help alter the relative humidity levels in your home and make your indoor air more comfortable. These are especially important to use in the cold winter months, as you likely have a heater running which may be drying out the air. Just remember to clean your humidifier on a regular basis.

There are different types of humidifiers on the market, including:

  • Portable:

    These models are designed to humidify a space by forcing air to circulate through a wet pad, which then flows into the room in a fine mist.

  • Evaporating:

    A pan or absorbent pads are dipped into water, and then attached to a heating system. This causes moisture to evaporate into the environment.

  • Power:

    Water moves automatically into this unit to allow moisture to be circulated. A humidistat allows a homeowner to control the amount of water generated.

Where Household Moisture Comes From

The world is full of moisture; even your breath and body release droplets of water. While certain percentages of RH are desirable in an environment, too much can lead to trouble. Moisture moves through buildings in several ways:

  • Roof leaks
  • Rain water
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Steam from cooking
  • Steam from showers and bathtubs

No matter how your home becomes saturated with water vapor, condensation may occur on windows or other surfaces. This occurs more readily during chillier seasons. When moist warm air meets the cold glass of a window, it causes the air temps to drop, changes the relative humidity, and results in condensation.

Because a home’s relative humidity can impact family members’ overall well-being and the building structure, it’s crucial that homeowners educate themselves about this important component of air quality. If the RH percentage is kept in the proper range, health problems can be avoided or greatly minimized. For homes with too much moisture, a dehumidifier can create a safer and more comfortable interior. On the flip side, houses that are too dry can add water vapor with a humidifier. Armed with knowledge about humidity, individuals can live happily ever after in their homes.


Mold In Home

How to Remove Mold From Your Home

As a homeowner, it’s critical for you to know and understand the dangers that mold presents to your home. It is a common concern for homeowners and can cause unseen damage to your home and your health.

Mold is a fungus that has the potential to grow within any location that is damp or excessively moist. If these areas are also warm, poorly ventilated, or have no light, then mold is more likely to thrive and cause issues.

At first, mold in your house will only create a musty or unpleasant odor, but as time goes on, mold can lead to some pretty serious damage. In fact, according to the CDC, exposure to mold has the potential to provoke allergies and asthma attacks for people who are prone to them.

In this article, you’ll learn more about how to get rid of mold from your house, as well as how you can spot it and prevent it from growing in the first place. Ask any homeowner, mold is not something you want in your home.

1. Control Humidity & Moisture

Mildew is a thin black or white substance that you typically find growing on grout in a bathroom. It flourishes in warm, humid areas, so the first step in removing and preventing it is to clean the places in a home where it’s mostly likely to show up, and keep them dry.

Mold

Be sure to regularly clean your bathroom and kitchen, stretch out wet shower curtains and dry damp clothing quickly.

If your basement is often damp, there may be crevices in the walls letting moisture in, so replace cracked mortar and make sure you have sufficient outside drainage.

An air conditioner can help by taking in warm air, which holds more moisture, and circulating it back out as cool, dry air. A humidstat or dehumidifier is also useful for reducing humidity.

On days when the air outside is dry, open up your windows and use electric fans to let the outside air circulate into your home and carry the moisture out.




2. Use Cleaning Solutions & Products

There are a number of cleaning solutions you can use, all of which are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

Bleach

Bleach is very effective when used on moldy surfaces. Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water, then use either a spray bottle or a bucket and sponge to clean the affected area.

If you want to prevent growth, don’t wipe the area afterward. Note that bleach has some drawbacks, the foremost being that it’s useless on porous materials like wood and drywall. It also gives off harsh fumes, and mixing chlorine bleach with ammonia or certain other household cleaners is incredibly dangerous as it produces toxic gas.

Note: Never mix bleach with other chemicals!

Vinegar

Vinegar isn’t quite as effective as bleach, but it’s safe and doesn’t give off harsh fumes. Pour undiluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, spray the affected area, let it sit for an hour, then wipe clean.

If you want to use it to prevent growth, simply don’t wipe afterward, and spray again every few days. Use it only on non-porous surfaces.

Borax

Borax is dangerous if swallowed, but it’s otherwise safe and doesn’t give off dangerous fumes. Create a mixture of 1 cup of borax for every 1 gallon of water, then clean with a scrubbing brush. Once again, only use it on non-porous surfaces, and you can use it to prevent growth by not wiping it off afterward.

Ammonia

Ammonia is similar to bleach in that it can’t be used on porous surfaces, and also that it’s a dangerous chemical. Make sure that you only use clear ammonia. Create a 50/50 mix of water and clear ammonia, and spray the affected surface. Let it sit for a few hours, then wipe and rinse.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is both mild and safe, and it also acts as a deodorizer. What’s more, unlike the other solutions, baking soda can be used on porous surfaces.

Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 8 ounces of water and mix thoroughly. Spray the affected area, scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse. Follow this by spraying a second time, but don’t rinse afterward.


3. Cut Out & Remove Large Infestations

Mold can grow behind the walls and other unseen places in a house, leaving homeowners unaware until they smell it or notice stains on the wall. At that point, it has to be literally cut out of carpets and drywall.

How to Remove Moldy Drywall & Carpets

If you choose to do this on your own, you’ll want to wear old clothing and shoes along with goggles, gloves and N-95 respirator.

N-95 Respirator For Mold Removal

N-95 Respirator For Mold Removal from 3M

Prep & Set-Up

Set a box fan in the window of the room you’re working on. Next, make sure you tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings so spores expelled by the fan can’t get back in. Turn off your air conditioner and/or furnace, and then seal off the airflow within the room by covering the vents and doorways with plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Removing Moldy Carpets

Use a utility knife to cut moldy carpets into 6′ x 8′ sections, and mist the surfaces with a pump sprayer to control spores. Roll up the sections and wrap them in thick plastic trash bags.

Removing Moldy Drywall

Turn off power to the room, and probe stained or soft spots on the wall with a screwdriver to find the infestation and locate any wiring, removing baseboards and trim if necessary. Use a drywall saw or utility knife to cut out the infested drywall and any moldy insulation behind it. Mist with the pump sprayer to control spores, then double-bag the material in heavy plastic bags and tie the bags off.

Clean-Up

Vacuum up the debris with a shop-vac with an extra-long hose, so you can keep the shop vac outside to keep spores from spreading. Use a brush to scrub stained surfaces inside the walls with a water and bleach mixture, and then wipe the areas, but don’t rinse them. Dry any trim you washed in direct sunlight, and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the room for at least three days.

When you’ve eliminated it all, seal the wood with a pigmented shellac or oil-based primer. Put in new insulation and drywall, replace the trim, and repaint using paint that contains mildewcide.




4. Hire Mold Remediation Professionals

If you have a persistent infestation, you may need to hire a mold remediation specialist.

Do your homework to find one who is reputable. The specialist will thoroughly inspect your home to determine the extent of the infestation, and afterward he or she will let you know if you can take care of the problem yourself, or if you’ll need to hire professionals to handle it.

Make sure the specialist gives you a written report. Note that, to avoid conflicts of interest, the specialist who inspects your home should work independently from the company you hire to clean out the infestation.