Photo: Andrea Simonato
We've shown you some sites that can help you identify and remove ants and bugs from the inside of your home, but it's also important to clear the outside vicinity of unwanted pests such as bees and wasps.
Africanized bees are a real danger and prevention should be your first option. Think like a bee and remove possible nesting sites such as unused garbage cans, boxes, old sheds, etc. You should also seal openings around your house that are greater than 1/4". This can include empty spaces around shingles, doorways, gutters, attic vents, etc.
Remember that even if all of the bees in a hive have been killed you must also physically remove the hive as neighboring swarms can make the abondoned hive their own.
Removing Honey Bee Nests [University of Florida]
Removing Honey Bees from Inside a Wall [Ohio State University]
What to do if you're stung [CDC]
Water can take it's toll to the outside of yourself as much as the inside. Your backyard, driveway, and landscaping are susceptible to damage from heavy rain and snow run-off. Proper drainage can prevent your driveway or landscaping from washing away.
The number one thing to remember when planning for proper drainage is the law of gravity. Make sure all slopes lead away from the foundation of the house and your driveway and front yard slope away from your home.
Drainage Damage Control [Atlanta Home Improvement]
We think every homeowner would have a use for this paint touch-up tool from Rubbermaid. It's stores just enough paint to cover those instant touch-ups that arise and there's no need to break out a brush and get messy. It doesn't hurt that's it's super cool and fits perfectly in your hand.
Paint Buddy [via Apartment Therapy]
There are conflicting theories on the dangers of mold but we do know that many prospective homebuyers are taking mold inspections into consideration before purchasing a home. HGTV recommends that an empty home should have the air conditioning left on in the summer to keep the humidity levels down and allow air to circulate throughout the house before an inspection. An empty and sealed home provides the perfect humid breeding ground that mold spores need to proliferate. While the debate is still open on the true dangers of mold, it's in your best interest when selling your home to keep the mold levels down.
Leave the Air Conditioning on to Avoid Mold [HGTV]
Locating a wall stud shouldn't be a guessing game and there's no need for punching extraneous nail holes when you can get it right the first time. Studs are typically located 16" OC (on center) but they can also be found at 24" OC. Once you find one stud you should be able to locate adjacent studs quite easily.
- To find that first stud you should look for an outlet or switch. Electrical boxes are usually anchored to studs. From the nearest outlet or switch, measure in 16- or 24-inch increments toward the are you are looking to place your nail.
- You can also examine the baseboards which should be nailed directly into studs. If you examine the baseboards closely you should be able to see exposed nailheads or patches over the nail heads which are a giveaway to a stud behind it.
- You can also measure away from a corner in multiples of 16 or 24 inches. Then gently tap the area to find a section of wall with a solid backing (a stud or joist).
- If you are still unsure of stud locations, you can use a handheld electronic device called a stud finder. The stud finder will beep or flash when it passes over a joist or stud. Slide the finder horizontally across the wall until it signals the location of a framing member, and by coming toward the stud from both ends, you can find and mark its edges, and then determine its center. Find adjacent studs by measuring 16 or 24 inches from center.
- Find studs behind plaster walls is trickier and can be done by driving a small test nail just above the baseboard.
Some tips for using a hammer most effectively.
Bugs (even the good ones) are a nuisance. They can be dangerous to you and your pets and they can damage/destroy your home (termites). Although knowing spiders are eating the other bugs in your house it's still unnverving to watch one scamper across your wall or ceiling and a few are extremely dangerous.
We mentioned some alternative solutions to getting rid of ants which are some of the hardest pests to remove. Here's a more comprehensive guide that will help you identify the bug and how to keep them out of your house.
Top Pests [Move.com]
July 25, 2006 | Comments ()
