How to Prevent Household and Yard Pests

Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are part of nature and can be wonderful to observe. However, they can be troublesome and threaten our health and safety when these creatures invade our property and home. Unwelcome vermin can spread disease, cause structural damage, and inflict bodily injury to humans and pets. Here are some signs that you may have wildlife inhabitants and helpful tips to avoid infestation.

Check for Signs of Infestation—General indications are fecal droppings, odor, holes, tunneling, nests, odd sounds, and gnawed or pecked at siding, flooring, walls, and roofing. Signs of specific wildlife will help you target a particular species to eliminate. For instance, five-toed paw tracks, barks, growls, shuffling, bent rain gutters, and chewed-up wiring could be a sign of raccoons, while stains on the ceiling and squeaking sounds could mean the infestation of bats. Damage to your garden, bird feeder, and insulation may indicate that squirrels are your problem. If you hear scratching sounds in the walls and ceilings, see tracks, and notice that food has been gotten into, that could be mice. Birds are another common home invader. You could have a trapped bird or two if you hear scratching and shuffling of wings. Holes in the roof and nesting materials are other signs that you have a feathered housemate.

Seal openings—Holes and crevices in your attic, floorboards, ceiling, roof, and other areas of your home are an open invitation for pests to invade and make their nests. Identify any openings and shut or seal them off. For example, install chimney caps and steel screens on vents. Use silicon caulk or cement to discourage other vermin that can gnaw through plastic, rubber, vinyl, or wood. The best time to do this is in the fall or winter after some species of animals have left the nest or to anticipate creatures looking for a warm haven to escape to.

Manage garbage disposal—Deter animals from getting into your trash by keeping cans indoors or tightly securing lids. Avoid spilled food scraps that can attract wild animals.

Trim tree limbs—Discourage climbing by regularly cutting back large branches and tall brush.

Ensure cleanliness inside and out—Declutter areas of your home that tend to amass the most trash, such as your garage or attic. Eliminate newspapers, empty boxes, piles of wood, and other materials that animals can use to build their nests. Mop, sweep, and vacuum regularly. Wash your pet’s bedding often to avoid fleas and fix leaky pipes to prevent insects drawn to excessive moisture build-up, such as ants. Infected linens and other materials should be washed or discarded.

When all else fails and you are already facing an infestation problem, it’s always important to practice safety and seek professional intervention. Pesticides should only be used as a last resort. Use safe methods such as non-toxic bait and friendly traps to capture and release. Protecting humans, beneficial plants and insects, and non-threatening animals from accidental poisoning are important. Protecting the air, water, and soil from toxicity is equally essential. Call on an exterminator or animal control expert if the problem is beyond your scope of knowledge to control. They have the expertise and proper products to identify entry points and safely dispose of dangerous and disease-breeding wildlife. In addition, they can schedule follow-up visits and offer solutions to prevent further outbreaks.

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Foundation Cracks

Due to shifting soil, water issues, and normal settlement, most foundations will crack. There are different kinds of foundational cracks and varying causes. Once you understand the type of cracks you have and the underlying cause, you’ll be better able to repair them to protect your home.

There are two basic types of foundational cracks. They are horizontal and vertical cracks that differ in causes and severity.

Vertical Cracks—These run up and down your foundation. An example of one is a hairline crack. Vertical cracks are often small and don’t require professional help. If there are only a few cracks and they don’t get longer or wider over time, they can be patched to reduce the potential for moisture or infestation.

Horizontal Cracks—Unlike vertical cracks, horizontal cracks, which run across your foundation or walls, can be more serious. These are caused by different sources of pressure, such as water and soil, which can severely impact the structural integrity of your home. They can also be due to poor workmanship when contractors fail to grade the property properly before construction.

To get an idea of the severity of either a vertical or horizontal crack, you can test it with a dime. If you can fit one into the crack the damage is large enough to require repair. If small, it should be monitored over time to see if gets worse and then addressed accordingly. It’s easier to fill small cracks, and it is best to stay on top of them before they become vulnerable to bugs, water, mold, and other infestations.

Generally, any horizontal crack should be evaluated by a licensed home inspector or engineer to assess the underlying cause, and if the cracking has caused any other structural concerns.

 

Easy Instructions for Kitchen Cabinet Painting

Now that it is nearing spring, you may be considering refreshing the look of your kitchen. Your cabinets tend to get shabby, worn, and stained from constant cooking splatter and food odors. For a new look, you can replace them, but in considering cost, painting them is a cheaper option to add new life to your cabinetry while getting creative at the same time. It will depend on your kitchen size, but the paint and supplies cost usually averages about $200. If this is your first time painting your cabinets, here are some steps to consider before tackling this project.

Check that your cabinets are paintable—Wood, wood laminate, and metal usually can be repainted, but plastic laminate may require a special paint. Check with a paint dealer by bringing a door sample or test a hidden patch to ensure it will adhere correctly. Panels and other architectural details and damaged joints may need special care. You may have to purchase new parts or use a special painting technique such as spraying, rolling, or brushing with different-sized or textured brushes.

Decide on Latex or oil-based paint—If you are looking for quick-drying and easy-to-clean paint, Latex is your best selection. However, you may find oil-based paint more advantageous even though it is more expensive. Oil paint is more durable, yields a smoother finish, and is stain resistant. If you opt for latex paint, choose one with 100 percent acrylic formation for greater adhesion.

Kinds of paint application—You’ll need to decide if you’d rather spray or brush as per your budget and ability. You may need to rent a spray machine for accuracy and less mess, but it will bring your cost up. Brushing is more time-consuming, but this is a better choice if you’d prefer to take your time with the details. You’ll need both a flat and angled brush; natural bristles for oil-based paint and synthetic bristles for latex paint.

Preparation—You want to protect your surrounding items from paint residue in any painting task. Start by removing all contents from your cabinets. Cover your counters, appliances, and surrounding fixtures with a plastic tarp and affix firmly with tape. If the cabinet door needs to be detached to paint, create an area for items to hang or lay afterward to dry. If you have to dismantle doors, organize hinges, screws, and other hardware into a bag and label the area they belong to help you reattach them correctly. Scrub your soiled hardware with warm water and dish soap. Wipe off any grease or residue and completely dry before you paint. Sand as needed to remove the old finish and wipe or vacuum residual dust afterward. Instead of sanding, you can use a primer-sealer that helps the finish coat bond properly.

Applying the paint—Start with the most critical areas you’ll need more time with. Paint the inside edges and openings of the face frames first before you do the outer sides. Lastly, paint the face frame fronts. Be careful when painting wood pieces or molding that extra paint does not dry in the corners and crevices. Apply thin, light strokes and dry between coats for at least four hours. Two coats are usually sufficient, but you may want to apply a third for extra protection from everyday wear.

You can easily renew and refresh the look of your kitchen without replacing cabinet doors and other hardware. Painting your cabinets, provided you prepare with the proper paint and tools, will give you a cost-friendly option to try new colors and test out your creative flair. At the same time, you will extend the life and durability of your cabinetry to help it endure for more years to come.

 

Roof Exposure and why it matters

The direction the front of your home faces will determine the amount of sunlight it receives which has an impact on many elements of your home. There are four types of exposures: Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western. One is not necessarily better than the other but there are advantages and disadvantages to all.

Southern exposure—When your home faces south, you will experience direct sunlight throughout the day. For sun lovers and green thumbs, this is the most favored because you get the most natural light during the day, and with extra warmth, you can save on your heating bills in the winter. However, concentrated sunlight can damage siding, roofing, furniture, fabrics, and flooring. You will need to pay closer attention to regular maintenance such as repainting, residing, and UV protection.

Northern exposure—A home that faces the north will have indirect sunlight. This exposure is preferred for those who don’t like intense sunlight because the light is softer and less harsh. In addition, the home will be easier to keep cool in hot weather. Conversely, winter snow and ice can be challenging because there is less sun to allow for quicker melting. Hence, the snow and ice weight can be very stressful on your roof. In addition, you have to keep walkways continually cleared to avoid falls.

Eastern and western exposure—When your home faces the east or the west, you will have more sun either earlier or later in the day. For the east, you will experience the most sunlight in the morning, but if facing the west, you will have more sun exposure later in the afternoon. Early morning risers may feel more comfortable with eastern exposure, while those who prefer late-day sun would do better with western exposure. You will need to install shading to windows facing east and west to eliminate the glare and UV damage of morning or afternoon sun.

While most people won’t buy or not buy a home based on the home’s exposure it is important to consider the effect the different exposures will have on wear and tear of the home as well as incoming natural light.

 

The Importance of Attic and Crawlspace Ventilation

Ventilation provides air circulation crucial to protecting your roof and other structural areas of your home. The attic and crawlspace are two of the most important areas for air to flow freely from the ground to the roof. However, these areas can get easily overlooked because we rarely check the attic or crawlspace for any problems. With the proper installment of vents in your attic and crawlspace, you can guard against the buildup of excessive moisture that can lead to damaging mold growth, unhealthy air, and other hazards. The following are specific reasons why attic and crawlspace ventilation are vital.

Protect against water damage—Vents in the attic and crawlspace are important to protect against the damage that water accumulation can bring to your roof, flooring, drywall, and insulation. Crawlspace ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup from the soil, while intake and exhaust ducts in the attic ensure the roof will be safeguarded against the ravages of concentrated pockets of hot and cold temperatures. For instance, rooftop snow and ice become more manageable. With proper circulation, there is even melting, so there won’t be an excess of water run-off to damage your gutters, downspouts, and shingles if the water refreezes. This occurrence, called ice damming, can be prevented with proper air circulation.

Energy efficiency—Vents prevent the air from stagnating and pooling in one area. When air is enabled to flow freely, there is no burden on your heating and cooling system to work hard to control the indoor climate. Ventilation can help you cut costs in wasted energy, so you’re not paying more than you need to heat and cool your home.
Allergy and dust elimination—With vents installed to facilitate the efficient entrance and exit of airflow, dust, airborne pathogens, and other impurities are filtered out to ensure clearer and healthier indoor air.

Control infestations—When the accumulation of moisture is kept at a minimum, so too will mold, mildew, rodents, and insects that can warp and eat away at flooring, walls, and insulation.

Oxygen for gas—Gas appliances such as water heaters and furnaces need a proper flow of air to avoid the ignition of embers from a dry environment. Combustible materials such as cardboard boxes and clothing can be a fire hazard if embers are allowed to settle on them. Special ventilators, such as Turbine vents, are resistant to the entry of embers. A mesh screen can also be used to further prevent embers from entering. It also helps to cut down on the amount of storage you amass.
You can protect your home’s foundation, improve air quality, and ensure safety from hazards by checking for the absence of air ducts wherever you have square footage. To install vents, or if your existing vents need cleaning, repair, or replacement, hire a ventilation specialist to conduct an assessment. After inspection, they can advise you on the appropriate procedure.

 

Potential Plumbing Problems

It’s important to know how to tell when you have a plumbing problem so that you can address small issues before they become bigger ones. When pipes are left unchecked over time, some common occurrences are exuberant water bills, permanent water damage, the spread of harmful mold, and bursting pipes and sewer lines. The following are some things to look for to tell if you have a plumbing issue that needs attention.

Your faucet is making strange noises—A loud sound like a screech when you use the tap is a sign there is air in your pipes that signifies something is not right with your bleed-off system. This system allows fresh water to enter while reducing the buildup of mineral concentrations.

Unpleasant smell in the drain—If you only detect a rotten smell in the kitchen sink drain, this could be due to lodged decaying food fragments. However, if the odor comes from all your drains, your drain vent may be clogged, allowing sewer gas to back up into your pipes. Consult with a professional plumber to pinpoint the problem.

Low water pressure—Several issues could be causing this, such as a leak, a clog in multiple places, or inadequately-sized pipes that provide poor water pressure.
Slow drainage—Clogs are common occurrences that can be fixed with a drain-clearing liquid or tool. However, if this process does not yield results after multiple attempts, contact a professional to investigate.

Discoloration in the water and pipes—Your pipes could be corroded if your water is yellow, green, or brown. White, green, and red hues indicate corrosion, rust, or a slow leak. Lines should be inspected twice yearly for discoloration, a sign of wear and tear.

Be sure to stay alert to signs of problems with your plumbing. You can avoid further or more extensive damage by paying attention to the signs early and calling a professional before the issues get worse or cause consequential damage.

 

Is an ARM for you?

Before you move into the home of your dreams, you’ll need to decide what type of mortgage will work best for your financial needs. One type is an adjustable-rate mortgage, also called an ARM. What is an ARM? We’ll explore this kind of loan so that you can decide if it’s right for you. An adjustable-rate mortgage or ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time. These rates are governed by benchmarks such as the U.S. Treasury and are influenced by economic conditions and your credit score. These are unlike a fixed-rate mortgage which keeps the same interest rate and payment for the life of the loan.

If your goal is to get the lowest mortgage rate on a starter home, an ARM is a good introductory option because it usually starts low. Although it is generally lower than a fixed-rate mortgage, a caveat is that the initial interest rate, after the fixed period ends, can fluctuate over time, causing unpredictability of what you will owe on your payments each month. You will have to be prepared financially if the rate goes up. However, it can also go down.

Advantages—An ARM allows you to pay more for the principal during a fixed period. If you anticipate being in your home for no more than five years, an ARM may be your best option. Also, if you’re planning to upgrade to a larger home, the plan will enable you to sell your original house before the interest rate begins to adjust. If you can’t sell your home before the rate changes, you may want to consider refinancing into a fixed-rate or a new adjustable-rate mortgage. There are also rate caps which will allow you more management with each recent rate change because they are limited to how much they can rise.

Disadvantages: The downside is that your interest rate will likely increase after the fixed rate period ends, causing your payments to go up. This increase can cause a feeling of instability and may discourage some homeowners from taking out this kind of loan. In addition, it could be difficult to project how you stand financially when the rates start fluctuating.

Types of adjustable-rate mortgages—The Hybrid ARM starts with a fixed interest rate for 5, 7, or 10 years, then the rate adjusts up or down on a pre-set schedule of your choosing, either once per year or every six months. For instance, if you choose a 5/1 ARM, your rates will begin to adjust yearly after the five years have lapsed. For a 7/6 ARM, your rates will start to adjust every six months after the seven years have lapsed. The most popular is the 5/6 ARM plan.

The Interest-only ARM allows borrowers to pay only the interest for a set period. Once that period ends, the principal and interest are expected to be paid.
The payment-option ARM gives borrowers the most freedom by permitting them to select their own payment structure and schedule equal to or greater than the minimum payment. It can be for a 15, 30, or 40-year term. The downside is that your costs may increase because you need to pay more to cover the interest.
Qualifications—As with all mortgages, ARM loans have several requirements. You have to prove your income with documentation. Your income level and credit score will determine how large of a mortgage payment you qualify for.

When deciding on a mortgage plan, it’s always advisable to examine your long-term home ownership goals. You could be ready to buy your dream home that you want to live in long-term or start to test the waters and enjoy a temporary situation until you are secure enough to upgrade. If you are considering the latter, then an adjustable-rate mortgage is your best plan. Already have an ARM plan and are looking for a change? First, explore rates to see if it’s a good time to refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. If rates are higher than your current ARM, it’s not the right time to switch.

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