Archives for November 2021

Rocky Mountain wood ticks are parasitic arachnids that consume blood from warm-blooded mammals. They are tough to notice on clothing and in your pet’s fur coat.

Rocky Mountain ticks have a hard body with eight legs and are reddish-brown to dark brown. Females have prominent grayish patterns on their dorsal sides. Rocky Mountain ticks can cause severe, if not deadly, sickness in their hosts if left unchecked. They are known to carry Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Let’s explore how to get rid of Rocky Mountain wood ticks.

1. Prevention

Image via Flickr by AndreyZharkikh

Taking preventive measures when going out into wooded areas can help reduce the risk of bringing Rocky Mountain wood ticks into your home. These creatures are masters of stealth and can be extremely hard to detect, making it of the utmost importance to take precautions when hiking, camping, riding an ATV, or taking a nature walk. Wearing long pants, high socks, long-sleeved shirts, and boots will go a long way toward keeping ticks at bay. In addition, during tick season, family screenings should be conducted after time spent outside, including indoor/outdoor pets.

2. Natural Tick Deterrents

There are a few natural repellents you can use to make ticks think twice before making a meal out of you or your pets (always consult your veterinarian before applying any repellent to your pet’s fur or skin). These natural tick repellents include:

· Cedar oil spray.

· Eucalyptus oil.

· Neem oil.

· Apple cider vinegar.

· Lemon, cinnamon, orange, peppermint, and lavender essential oils.

Another way to help prevent ticks is to eat more garlic or to take garlic supplements. Garlic induces the body to excrete a scent that naturally repels ticks. This method is not recommended for your pets. These and many more natural tick repellents can help you have stress-free walks through the woods. Natural remedies can be a healthier method for your family and pets but may not be as effective when it comes to deterring ticks.

3. Commercial Tick Repellent Spray

There are so many options to choose from in stores for tick repellent sprays, and all of them claim to do the same job. So how do you know which of these sprays are the real deal? When shopping for a tick repellent, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that you will need to search for six active ingredients to ensure you are getting a product that really works. These ingredients are:

· DEET.

· Picaridin.

· IR3535.

· Para-menthane-diol (PMD).

· Oil of lemon eucalyptus.

· 2-undecanone.

Products such as these can cause unpleasant side effects, and consumers should strictly follow all safety precautions on the products’ labels.

4. Professional Assistance

An infestation of Rocky Mountain wood ticks on your property or in your home will need to be swiftly resolved to protect your family and pets. If you are experiencing an infestation, contact pest control in Salt Lake City, Utah. Professional exterminators can assess the situation and take measures to eliminate the threat and prevent future invasions.

For more information on Rocky Mountain wood ticks, contact Bulwark Exterminating. They can provide you with valuable information for identifying dangerous pests and how to eliminate them. You don’t have to deal with pests such as Rocky Mountain wood ticks all alone.

While you think of constructing your house in the best manner, know that plumbing issues can still pave a path at any time. Now that you’re scrolling the internet for DIYs, understand that these might not suffice your need.

The plumbing professionals exclaim that these water system fixtures can be costly if not repaired in time. What’s even worse is that these may dig your pocket off thousands of dollars while damaging your paradise to unimaginable levels.

Thus, it is wise to learn some telltale signs when you have a plumbing issue. You can always use them in case of an emergency. Let’s get started with knowing what these red flags are:

● An Overflowing Toilet:

Can you imagine the terror of going to the washroom and facing an overflowing toilet since someone flushed it? Or, maybe it was already clogged before someone tried to flush it.

Well, irrespective of the situation, know that an overflowing toilet leads to the spilling of contaminated water on your bathroom floor. And, this can lead to the growth of germs and bacteria in your house, especially when left unchecked. Thereby, make sure to address the problem real soon as it may lead to respiratory problems and other diseases.

Thereby, your best bet can be to consider emergency plumbing right away. The experts say that using the plunger several times may not only disappoint you from unclogging the toilet but also cause even more harm.

● Running Out of Hot Water Too Soon:

Many homeowners come across the situation of running out of hot water while they’re in the middle of a shower. At the same time, the first time may be a coincidence; running out of it quicker each time points to a significant problem.

Thus, chances are excellent you have an issue with your water heater, which you can prevent with water heater maintenance. Or, even a faulty gauge or fuses may be possible reasons for the prevailing problem.

Reaching out to a plumber may help in assessing the situation by seeing the problem. Their assistance will ensure water heaters store hot water whenever the need arises. If it runs out, make sure to put water in the tank to heat quickly to replenish the hot water supply.

Know that it may also enable mold growth if the problem remains unsolved.

● Poor Water Pressure:

Have you stayed at a house with poor water pressure? If yes, you know how it dampers routine tasks like dish cleaning, showering, and washing hands.

In contrast to popular belief, know that this isn’t a common occurrence. It is because the poor water pressure is a sign of dust and contamination buildup in your pipes. Digging deeper, you may see that broken pipes, cracked pipes, leaks, or erosion may be a possible reason behind this.

Contacting a professional to resolve the issue may prevent significant water damages or even flooding.

The Verdict

Some other signs can be flooding or frozen pipes, which too require urgent professionals’ attention. Thus, as soon as you come across a potential problem, contact an expert as it is better to be safe than sorry.

After all, it’s about knowing high-end restoration fixtures for giving your home an instant facelift.

Windows are big business: a nearly $5 billion industry in the US alone, and it’s no wonder why. Windows can make or break a home in terms of both heating and aesthetics, and — of course — they break with ease. That means plenty of people are having windows installed, repaired, and replaced.

But how do you know if you ought to be one of them? What are the signs that you need a window repair service? What’s ordinary wear and tear and what are the signs you need a window repair?

Great questions! Stay tuned for our guide to the top 5 signs you need to call a window repair company right now!

1. A Bit Drafty?

Picture it: a cold winter morning. You’ve got all the doors and windows locked down tight and the heating going full tilt.

And then from nowhere a gush of cold wind chills you to your bones. What on Earth could it be?

Well, it’s probably a sign that your windows aren’t properly sealed and need looking at! Time to Google ‘window repair near me’!

2. The Bills Keep Climbing

Do you find that your energy bills are getting higher and higher every month? You might write that off as the price of fall and winter getting colder, but it could also indicate a failure in your home’s heat retention.

What does that mean? You guessed it: faulty windows.

3. Opening and Closing Your Window Becomes a Workout

Do you find you really have to give your window a good shove to get it open and shut? There’s two possibilities: either you’ve fallen prey to some kind of weakening curse, or your windows are getting old and stiff.

It’s probably the second thing.

4. Next Door’s Kids Keep Getting Noisier

Are you finding that more and more irritating noise is leaking into your home? The impacts that can have on your work, relaxation, and general sanity are more severe than you might think. The reason it’s happening? Your windows might be in need of a fix. Time to get on the phone to the Glass Shop and see if they can bring back that blessed silence.

5. Paint Peeling Away

If the paint on your windows is all gross and chipped, it’s not only an aesthetic issue. Sure, bad paint makes your house look old and worn out, but it also means the wood of your window-frames is exposed to the elements and might start to rot. That’s bad for your house price and your quality of life.

A Window Repair for All Seasons

So there you have it, a few of the most common telltale signs that your home is in dire need of a good window repair. With any luck, this guide will let you get on top of these problems before they become too severe.

We are coming up on winter, after all!

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Solar power is an energy alternative that comes with many benefits, including the fact that it is renewable and costs less than electricity. That is why you should consider Solar Power Solutions in your home. You will need an expert to install the solar power equipment. The market is flooded with such experts, but not all of them can handle the task to your satisfaction. As such, you need to make a few considerations to ensure that the professional you hire to install your solar panel does it the way you need it to be done.

The Factors to Consider

Certification and Licensing

Besides a solar panel installer, it is essential to confirm that any professional you hire to work in your home is certified and licensed by the relevant authorities. This documentation varies from one region to the other. It is your responsibility to check the authorities in your area of residence, who are better positioned to explain the necessary papers that solar panel installers should have. Besides the licenses, permits, and certificates, another essential thing you should check is whether the individual is insured. It is not a must for such a worker to have expensive insurance, but the minimum you can work with should be general liability cover. The main benefit of working with a licensed professional is that you will not be held liable if anything goes wrong while they work on your property.

Reputation in the Industry

Reputation matters because you want to be sure the contractor you hire to install your solar panel is professional and will deliver quality results. The expert’s reputation is all about what their previous clients think of their services and whether they can recommend the installer or not. The first and easy place to start your search for reputable solar panel installers is on the internet. The good news is that most of these contractors have leveraged online platforms, including websites and social media, to market their services. On such web pages, you will most likely find a section containing reviews, comments, recommendations, and questions from the people who have already received the contractor’s services. Pick an installer whose customer reviews lean more on the positive side.

Consider the Experience

One of the best ways to be sure of quality services is by hiring an experienced solar panel installer. A contractor who has worked for, say, ten years will offer better services than a newbie in the industry. That said, it would be ideal to pay a little extra to work with an established contractor instead of spending less and incurring more expenses down the road. Fortunately, websites and social media can also be excellent sources of this information, considering that these professionals use such platforms to display testimonials and the years they have worked. Additionally, it is your right to ask the contractor about their experience and what other services they can offer relating to solar panel installation.

The Charges

Although this should not be the ultimate factor for selecting an appropriate installer, it is essential to consider and compare different fees for varying contractors. This comes in handy in helping you choose one who is within your budget. Moreover, your financial abilities differ significantly from those of your neighbors, friends, and other homeowners. When comparing the fees, cheap does not necessarily mean poor installation. However, you should be keen, especially if you get a quote that seems too good to be true.

Solar panels can be more effective and cost-saving than using electricity in your home. However, installing these systems is a task that should be done professionally to ensure safety and a well-done job. You can buy the panels you need and hire an installer separately. Alternatively, you can hand over the entire project to a professional, by purchasing whatever is required for the installation.

Almost everyone enjoys coming home after a long, stressful day at work to a home that is cozy, comfortable, and appealing. It might, however, feel like an almost impossible challenge to create a home that you enjoy, that is clean and pleasant all year round, and that is welcome to your friends and family   The creation of a welcoming environment is not something that can be purchased in a bottle and placed in your home; it is also not something that can be measured or is the same for everyone. It is the thing, however, that makes people enter into your home and not want to leave in a hurry. 

There are numerous really simple and inexpensive ways to build the soothing home of your dreams that you, the people you live with, and your friends will all enjoy.

Modern living room with designer sofa and coffee table. Wooden table set with plates and cutlery. Nobody inside

Create a welcoming environment that is warm and inviting.

First impressions are crucial, and this is never more true than when it comes to the appearance of your home. When your guests step into your home, make them feel immediately at ease and comfortable. Make sure that your hallway is clean and well-organized because it is likely to be the first room that they will view. Lighter colors should be used to paint small spaces because dark colors might make them appear even smaller. Mirrors can be strategically placed to provide the appearance of space and light. Consider adding seasonal elements to your home, such as fairy lights wrapped around stair railings in the winter and bouquets of vibrant, cut flowers in vases on side tables during the warmer months. Plant pots are always a nice addition to any room, and they will also assist to improve the amount of oxygen in the space. 

Create ambience with candles

To create a welcoming atmosphere in your home, use candles to enrich the ambiance. It works in the same way as a fireplace in that it provides a soft glow while also filling your room with pleasant aromas of your choosing. Whether you favor zesty and fruity scents or more classic, earthy odors, you will undoubtedly find a candle that complements your personality and your surroundings.

Give them somewhere to sit – but space to move around too

You need to ensure that you have enough seating space for your regular guests.  While for a short time a dining chair or a lumpy sofa might be ok, if you want them to be comfortable and relaxed you will need to up your seating game.  If you do a little research, it is actually very easy to find affordable dining chairs for sale that will keep everyone seated comfortably when they are visiting.   You and your guests will probably spend a significant amount of time on your sofa; opt for a great one from https://www.furco.co.uk/sofa-sale. 

Some people may become uncomfortable if they are unable to navigate their way around a place, so make sure that they are able to move about comfortably without having to modify the space. Smaller homes make this more difficult because we must cram more furniture into a smaller space, but we must be inventive when doing so. You want to make sure that the routes into and out of the room are clear and easily accessible to everyone. If you have a large bookcase, consider whether you truly need it in the room or whether it can be moved upstairs. And, as tough as it may be at times, if you have small children, make certain that there are no toys laying around for your guests to trip over while visiting.

Eliminate the clutter

Having a lot of stuff can be a source of irritation for both your guests and yourself. We have all been guilty of putting something down with the intention of putting it away later, only to find it still in the same position several weeks later. Letters are placed on a shelf to be dealt with the next day, and before you know it, there are mountains of correspondence all over the place. Try to follow a “touch once” philosophy, which means that you should only handle items once before putting them away or disposing of them. If you are unable to do so, purchase some attractive storage baskets and conceal everything.

Be the best host you can be

You can have the most magnificent and welcoming home on the earth, but it is you who will truly make your guests feel calm and want to stay for an extended period of time. The act of hosting does not occur easily to many people, but if you make your guests feel comfortable, provide more than enough food and drink, and interact with them by engaging in conversation and asking questions, they will feel welcomed by both you and your home. Appreciating your home is a vital part of being happy in it, and you should be able to see from these suggestions that making a comfortable living place is more than possible, even on a budget.   

Perhaps you’re looking to move home. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about renovating and clutter is making it difficult. Perhaps one day you simply wake up and realize you have too much stuff. Whatever the reasoning, it’s time to downsize and there are plenty of ways to do just that, to give yourself some breathing room and maybe even make a little money in the process.

What to get rid of

How do you make sure you’re getting rid of the right stuff? There are plenty of tips on items to get rid of. Know the difference between clutter and decor, first of all, and don’t feel compelled to throw away things you love looking at just because they don’t have an obvious practical purpose. Things that are aged past their usefulness, aren’t likely to be used any time soon, or simply don’t get you enthusiastic about keeping them should be on the chopping block.

Make use of resale potential

Of course, any items that could be sold should be sold. You should look for item resale sites and try to be specific about where you sell what. General auction sites are good if you need a sale relatively quickly, and garage sales are even better for that purpose, but if you have time, you should try to get as much as you can. Sell old electronics to people specifically into electronics, and sell unwanted art on art trading sites, and so on.

You don’t need to get rid of it immediately to get it out of the home

There are some items that might have some sentimental value but don’t belong in the home. Or perhaps someone would like it, but you can’t give it to them immediately. Or perhaps it has a lot of resale value but you need time to find a buyer. For items that you want out of the home but can get rid of just yet, consider options like storage pods, instead. There are cost-effective ways to store items that you don’t have an immediate use for. Just make sure that they’re not left lingering there without a purpose for too long.

Be smart about recycling

If you’re throwing items away, then make sure that you’re doing it as responsibly as possible. There are going to be plenty of services near most people unless you’re out in the sticks, that will take recyclable materials of all kinds. If you’re smart, you might even be able to make some money by recycling, as well. For instance, almost any digital electronics, no matter how old, can be given to recycling companies for a little cash. It might not be a whole ton, but it can help you pay for moving expenses if you are moving.

The sooner that you start getting organized, the sooner you can open up some space in the home and make better use of that space. Or perhaps you simply might want that space to enjoy a little more breathing room. Whatever the case, the tips above can help.