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How to Maintain Metal Surfaces in Your Yard

August 23, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, lawn and gardenDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenance, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Since the early times, people have praised metal for properties they couldn’t get from natural materials. But actually, metal is much closer to nature than many people think. The iron ore comes from the depths of the earth, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that metal feels in our gardens like at home. Still, as a man-made material, metal is more susceptible to elements than other materials used in landscaping. Its arch-nemesis is rust – so homeowners need to intervene from time to time to keep metal features like fences, furniture, posts, taps, gates, rails, and grates in a mint condition.

Coating vs. painting

Rainfall and unsteady temperature always conspire to chip away the metal coating. Once the protective layer is damaged, rust is never far behind. One way to avoid it is to choose the most suitable metal for the intended use. Products with baked-on enamel or powder-coated surfaces will last long, without any special maintenance. On the other hand, varnished metal or surfaces protected with regular paint are prone to peeling, flaking, and chipping. Metals with superior coatings are expensive, but their longevity definitely justifies the initial cost.

Debris attracts moisture

With its intricate details, metal patio furniture is particularly exposed to a risk of decay. However, a few simple routines can make it last many years. The first defence against rust is cleanliness. At least twice a year, let’s say in spring and autumn, give your patio set a good scrub. Stir some liquid detergent in a bucket of warm water and use a sponge to remove dust and debris that attract moisture. Use an old toothbrush to reach hidden areas. When you are done, rinse away the detergent with a garden hose and leave the pieces to air-dry in the sun.

Physical protection

As mentioned above, it is the coating that safeguards metal from rusting. Careless handling can make two metal surfaces clink and cause chipping on one or both pieces. Whenever you need to move metal furniture, lift the pieces from the ground instead of dragging them. When the time comes to pack your outdoor furniture inside, make sure you protect the pieces with old towels or bed sheets to prevent them from scraping against each other.

Quick and effective solution

Still, even if you take all precautions, no one can guarantee that rust won’t develop over time. Although seemingly a small problem at first, it can get more serious if left unattended. Once you spot a small patch of rust, clean the area as described above and stop the corrosion in its tracks by using a quality rust converter. These products interact with iron oxide, converting it into an adherent black layer that is moisture-resistant and provides an excellent surface for latex and enamel paints.

Highly damaged surfaces

In cases of more extensive damage and negligence, you may need to refinish the metal – a task that demands more time and effort. Before you can start refinishing, you need to get to the bare metal surface. Using a wire brush or a special wire wheel drill attachment, scrape away the old coating. Take care not to damage crevices and folds that may be a part of the design. After you have removed the coating, wipe down the dust with a damp cloth and let everything dry before you apply the primer and metal paint.

The majority of homeowners regularly tend to their lawns and shrubs, trimming and clipping to add appeal to their gardens, but only a few pay the same attention to metal elements in their yards. With rust, prevention is the best protection, but when the surface layer is already damaged, quality anti-corrosion products can save the day.

Is Your Home Ready for Fall? 4 Things You Must Do Before the Season Changes

August 19, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceFall, home maintenance, home repairsLeave a comment

Fall is a time when the leaves change color, football is back on television and the temperatures start to cool off. This is a good time to inspect your home and make sure that it is ready for the cooler and wetter weather typical of fall and beyond. Let’s look at some items that you should check before summer ends.

Check for Nests of Any Kind

While there may not be any wasps or bees flying around this late in the year, it is a good idea to check for nests. If you see any, it is a good idea to knock them down as it increases the odds that they don’t come back next year. You should also spray for bees, ants and any other pest that may try to make a home in your home.

Organize and Clean the Garage and Shed

As the weather gets colder and wetter, dirt can easily turn into mud that gets tracked into your house. If you have old grass clippings or other debris in the garage or shed, it can turn into sludge or otherwise decompose, which can lead to a nasty smell. It may also attract insects looking for an easy meal. If you own a lawn mower, make sure to clean it and store the gas securely before putting it away for the fall and winter.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Even a slight amount of water damage can wreak havoc on your home. In many cases, water leaks from the roof and flows throughout the entire home. Inspecting your roof and having it worked on by a professional, such as one from Berwald Roofing Inc, can prevent water damage from becoming a major issue. It can also prevent damage caused by insects and exposed roof decking.

Get the Furnace Inspected Too

The summer months are the perfect time to have your furnace inspected because demand will be low. This means that you can get someone to look at it in a timely manner and for a lower price. Many contractors offer service packages that provide seasonal inspections for a flat fee, and repairs may also be covered with a service package.

The fall season is considered to be a transitional one. While it won’t be cold and snowy for another couple of months, you know that winter is coming sooner rather than later. Therefore, now is the best time to get your home ready for the changing weather conditions. If you aren’t up to doing this work yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional as soon as possible.

Carport Crisis: How to Repair 4 Common Garage Issues

August 7, 2017adminHome Maintenancegarages, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

You expect that your garage door will open and close every time you push the button on the remote or manually raise or lower the door. You rely on proper operation of the garage door to keep your vehicles and family safe form the elements or intruders. Garage doors and their mechanisms do sometimes fail, which is why routine maintenance of all components is important. Follow these tips about some of the issues that can arise and what to do about them.

Check for Broken Springs

One of the most common garage door issues is a broken spring. There are usually two springs that commonly sit above the head of the door. The springs are under torsion and enable the weight of the door to be lifted more easily. If you find yourself needing to get the car out of the garage, say to go to work, and you experience a broken spring, follow these suggestions. First, unplug your garage door opener and then disconnect the emergency release cord above the door. Now you can lift the door. Keep in mind that it will be heavy. Take your car out of the garage and close the door.

Unless you are very handy, this is the time to call a professional garage door repair company, such as Georgia Garage Doors Inc., that can safely replace the broken spring. The technician will measure the spring, replace it in kind, and hook everything back up so that the door will operate easily.

Inspect Tracks, Guides, Chains, and Belts

Your garage door might be opening and closing unevenly or more slowly than normal. This could be due to the tracks, guides, and chains being corroded or rusty. The overhead belt could also be deteriorating. Fasteners might have become loose and are impeding the movement. You can do a manual inspection of these using a flashlight and a step ladder. Tighten any loose screws, clean the rust, and, lubricate the tracks.

Look for Failed Seals

A very important component of garage door systems is the perimeter weatherstripping. These seals prevent rain, wind, debris, insects, and small animals from getting inside the garage. You can find the weatherstripping around the outside perimeter of the door frame and on the bottom of the door itself. Some doors have gaskets on the sides as well. Inspect for gaps, holes, and deterioration. Seals can be replaced quickly and economically.

Operate Openers, Remotes, and Sensors

The electrical components of a garage door system are subject to malfunctions. The first thing to go is simply the light bulb in the opener. That you can easily remedy by replacing the bulb. The remote can stop working. This is usually an easy fix by replacing the battery. If the motor in the opener stops working, check the circuit breaker first. If that has not tripped, it is likely the opener needs to be replaced. Make sure you check to see if it is still under warranty before you call your garage door repair company. Also check the safety sensors from time to time. These are what prevent the door from closing all the way if something is blocking the opening, such as a skateboard that has rolled into its way..

Maintaining your garage doors and all the related components is good practice to extend their usefulness. This may also save you money for unanticipated emergency repairs. It is a good idea to schedule a routine maintenance check of your door systems with your local garage door repair professional.

A Simple Guide to Successfully Inspecting Your Own Home

July 25, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Being proactive is a good policy in general. It’s especially important in home maintenance. Performing regular maintenance and catching minor repairs before they become major can keep your home and its systems in optimum condition.

How often should inspections be done? Most home repair experts suggest every six months. A Spring inspection can catch any damage done by cold and winter storms. An early Fall inspection can make sure that heat or open doors and windows haven’t done any damage. In addition, of course, frequent inspection causes any normal wear and tear that needs to be addressed.

Here’s a simple guide to home inspection.

1. Heating and Cooling Systems

Your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems can be checked by careful examination of components.

First, look at the air filters. They should be cleaned or replaced regularly. If they are dusty and dirty, they definitely need to be replaced. Your system will not run at peak performance if the filters are dirty.

Second, look at your air ducts. Do you see any duct tape? Is it in good condition, or peeling and drooping? Replace it if so. Any dirt or dents can indicate problems. Look for any torn or collapsing sections if you have flexible ducts.

Third, turn on your furnace and eyeball the flames. It should be a steady blue. If you see yellow or orange flames that flicker, there may be issues with its combustion. Call a professional to resolve.

Fourth, thermostats need to be cleaned. Take the outer covering off and clean any dirt and dust with cloths or Q-tips.

If your air conditioner compressors are outside, check to see that shrubs or vines (or trees!) haven’t grown over them. If they have, they need to be cut off or they can severely impair the life and function of the unit. Make sure shrubs, vines and trees are pruned. If this looks as if it will be a chronic problem, it’s a good idea to move the landscaping to a different place.

2. The Water System

Check every water faucet for signs of leaks and signs of rust. Leakage can cost you in lost water, but they also lead to bigger leaks. Have them fixed at the first sign of leakage.

If you have rust or signs of rust from leaking water, such as reddish stains, have a professional inspect the pipes.

3. Attics and Basements

Attics and basements can both be subject to water damage, either from minor flooding or saturated ground in basements or roof leakage in attics. Most of this inspection can be done by carefully eyeballing your attic and basement. Do you see any sign of water damage to stored boxes, for example? Check any wood for signs of rot or water by poking with a screwdriver. Look for signs of mildew. If you see any signs that water leakage is a problem, call a professional who can find and fix the source.

Check your basement and attic for signs of pests as well. Mice, termites, ants and other pests can enter your home by crawling in from the ground through areas in the basement, or from the roof to the attic. Termites leave termite tubes, ants leave trails and mice will chew almost anything. If your insulation or stored camping food has been chewed, you may have mice.

4. Roofs

Roofs can lose shingles due to age or winter weather. Other materials can degrade due to the same factors. You also want to make sure that, whatever the composition of your roof, you don’t have birds or other animals nesting on it. They can cause damage that will cost you plenty to repair if the creatures aren’t proactively removed.

Inspect your roof carefully for signs of wear and tear. Roofs in the natural course of events will need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, so be sure to keep them well maintained to ensure maximum long life.

5. Foundations

Look at the foundation for signs of cracks. Hairline cracks are normal, but if they become larger, it’s wise to keep an eye on them. Keep a notebook and note the size of any cracks. If they become noticeably larger at the next inspection period, call a professional for a thorough inspection.

6. Decks and Patios

Examine your deck or patio for any sign of wear and tear. Harsh weather may cause damage to either. Both decks and patios, of course, will require maintenance as time goes on. Do you need to remove any vegetation growing around or through cracks in the patio? Does your patio or deck need power washing or a sealant to look its best? Both should be part of regular maintenance. If they have not been, it may be time to institute them every six months.

7. Paint

The exterior of a home will need to be painted roughly every ten years. While not strictly speaking a repair, faded or peeling paint can expose your home’s materials to the elements more than if the paint were in good repair. Look at your home’s exterior with a stranger’s eye. Does it look fresh and appealing? If not, it’s time for a new paint job.

Maintaining your home well ensures that minor repairs remain minor, both in cost and in effort needed to fix them. Routine home inspections will ensure that you find any repairs that need to be made.

Author Bio:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

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How to Keep Rodents and Other Pests out of Your Home for Good

July 23, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Maintenancedecorating, home maintenance, pest controlLeave a comment

If you own a home, you know how hard it can be to keep rodents and other pests out of your home, especially in certain weather conditions, such as rainstorms and cold temperatures. Though it’s impossible to totally keep pests out of your home, there are some things you can do to greatly reduce the chances that the invaders will find their way inside.

Seal up Entryways

One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to take away the places they use to get inside. This means you need to go over your house with a fine-toothed comb to find every little crack, slit, crevice, and hole. Start by checking around your doors, windows and utility boxes and caulk or weather strip any gaps. You also want to seal any foundation cracks or cracks in your basement floor. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected to make sure critters aren’t already using it, and have it sealed if needed. You also should check your roof vents and look in your attic to find any possible means of entry.

Don’t Invite Them In

Pests are attracted to food, so you need to make sure you are not leaving uncovered or opened food out on your counters and shelves. You also want to make sure that you are not leaving pet food or water outside for long periods of time. And, of course, you want to make sure that any trash you throw away outside is in sealed bags and that the trash can lid is firmly secured.

Take Away Their Shelter

Pests are always looking for a place to live, so you don’t want to attract them to your home by giving them one. Some companies, like American Pest Control Inc., know that keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back away from your home and cleaning up piles of branches or debris around your yard can also help. If you have a deck, don’t store anything under it that might provide a hideout.

Use Pest Treatments

In addition to all the other measures mentioned, it’s still a good idea to treat for pests to help keep them out. You can use commercial products that you can buy on your own, but if those don’t work, it’s worth it to call a pest control service.

Pests are a nuisance and can be a health hazard. Following these tips will help to keep them out of your home and keep you and your family safe.

4 Quick Plumbing Fixes Anyone Can Master

July 16, 2017adminHome Maintenance, PlumbingDIY projects, home maintenance, plumbingLeave a comment

Even though plumbing systems can be relatively complex, there are a few fixes and repairs that everyone should master. Major issues such as cracks in the sewage line will need to be taken care of by a professional, but minor leaks and clogs can easily be fixed with basic tools and a little bit of research. Whether you are renting your first apartment or have just purchased a brand new home, here is a look at some simple repairs you should know how to do.

Dealing with Clogs

If only one of your sinks or showers is clogged, then the debris is most likely not that far down the sewage line. That means you should be able to take care of it with an over-the-counter clog remover. Those who don’t want to use harsh chemicals can also make their own clog remover out of baking soda and vinegar. Homeowners should immediately call a plumber like Knights Plumbing & Drain if multiple sinks, toilets, or showers become clogged at the same time. Deeper clogs can only be broken apart with specialized tools.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A single leaky faucet in your home could end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water a month if you don’t take care of it right away. Fixing a leak might seem intimidating, but this job is relatively straightforward as long as you are careful and meticulous. Most leaks can easily be fixed by tightening a handle or replacing an O-ring. Before fixing a leak, you must first shut off the faucet and plug the drain to prevent water damage.

Relighting the Water Heater

One of the most common problems that homeowners run into is the water heater’s pilot light going out. The vast majority of water heaters have a visible valve with a “pilot” position. After turning the valve to that position, you then need to use a lighter with a long neck to relight the flame. Homeowners should never attempt to relight a water heater if they smell gas.

Replacing a Shower Head

Upgrading or replacing an old shower head requires nothing more than an adjustable wrench and some plumber’s tape. The old shower head can be removed by loosening the single connecting nut until the entire shower head comes off. You must then wrap the exposed threads with plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. The final step is to attach the new shower head by turning it clockwise on the threads before tightening the connecting nut.

In order to carry out most plumbing repairs, you are going to need a decent set of tools. At the very least, every homeowner should have a combination wrench set, a plunger, pliers, an adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a caulking gun. These few tools will allow you to take care of minor clogs, slow leaks, and other basic repairs.

Going for Modern? Top Tips to Bring Your Home Into the 21st Century

July 13, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenance, home trendsLeave a comment

A cozy home offers a relaxing setting for your family. However, that home might appear to be a bit outdated in regards to the doors, windows, and decorations. There are a few tips that you can use to bring your home into the 21st century so that it’s modern while still keeping the beautiful look and comforting feeling.

Update the Electrical

Whether it’s the lighting in the home or the outlets, one of the things that you might want to update for the safety of the home is the electrical system. Consider installing a charging station in a central location of the home. The station could feature everything from car chargers that you might need to get while traveling to cords for the laptop. Everyone in the family can charge their devices without anyone losing cords. The lighting is another aspect that you want to look at changing. Install lights that are brighter to offer a glow that you would get from the sun while ensuring that they don’t use a lot of electricity.

Update the Doors

One of the ways that you can make a significant change without spending a lot of money is to change the doors. A bi-fold door, like those from Nu-Look Glass & Aluminum Windows, is ideal for an entryway to a deck or patio. You could also install this kind of door leading from the kitchen to the living room or another section of the house as a way to keep one room completely different from the other. Another simple way to change the doors is to install ones that have an intricate design, like frosted glass with a flower etching.

Make the Home Open

Most older homes are clearly divided into rooms using either walls or counters. Consider removing some of these barriers in the home to create an open space. This will allow for easier travels from one room to another. You’ll be able to see the people who are in the home instead of walking through a door or being separated by a wall, which can make you feel secluded at times.

Change the Flooring

The flooring of the home can make a statement about the overall appearance of the house. If the floor hasn’t been changed in some time, then now might be your opportunity to upgrade your floors so that they are a bit more modern. One of the things that you want to do is remove as much carpet as possible as this is often an outdated look in many homes, replacing it with laminate that looks like hardwood or tile. These materials can make rooms seem larger and are easier to clean.

Your home is where you likely spend a large amount of time during the day. It’s a safe haven for your family. That doesn’t mean that it should stay shrouded in the commonplace designs of the 20th century. Use a few simple tips to update your home so that you want to live there.

Factors To Consider During The Air Conditioning Installation And Maintenance Services

July 12, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Summer Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, home maintenance, summerLeave a comment

Air conditioning installation and maintenance is a service provided in order to facilitate proper installation of an air conditioner unit. In order to ensure that it provides you the guaranteed improved and quality air with optimal and ideal energy usage. The installation of a unit varies according to the different types of AC units available. Selection of an AC unit depends on different parameters such as the space to be cooled and the total amount of heat generated within the enclosed surface. Based on the above-mentioned criteria, the AC units are classified as:

Window Air Conditioner
Split Air Conditioner
Packaged Air Conditioner
Central Air Conditioning System

The primary factors to consider during the installation and maintenance services of air-conditioning, which affect the performance of an AC unit, are:

Correctly sized
Sufficient airflow operation
Appropriate amount of refrigerant
Tightly sealed ductwork

The proper installation and maintenance service of an air conditioner unit helps you obtain the optimal comfort. There are many firms, who are rich in industrial expertise provide high quality air conditioning installation and maintenance services. The air conditioning installation process comprises of different steps such as:

1. Indoor Unit Location

The positioning of the air conditioner plays a pivot role in its installation and working. The air conditioner front vents shall not be obscured in any way that may cause hindrances in good air circulation. In addition, an AC unit should be always away from any doorways or any pipes.

2. Outdoor Unit

With regards to outdoor units, there shall be enough of space around it and shall always be installed in a flat and secure surface. If the air conditioning unit installation is done on a roof, it needs to be fastened on a wood to prevent it from being blown by the high wind.

3. Water Drainpipe

In the case of an indoor unit, make sure the water pipe is at the end of the tray and rubber bung is at the hole on opposite side. The drainpipe should be angled at a good distance from the location, as water drainage would be much more during extreme summer.

4. Pipe Connection

While connecting the pipe to the unit, do not over tight them and they need to be covered with a foam insulation to prevent from any refrigerant leaking.

Purpose of Maintenance Service of an Air Conditioner is:

Control bacterial growth in cooling water systems.
Avoid scaling and corrosion of pipelines that come in contact with the circulating water in an AC unit.
Maintain perfectly cleaned and sanitized drain pans to prevent stagnant water.
Prevent increased consumption of energy source due to corrosion products and deposits within the compressors.

Furthermore, regular maintenance of an AC unit is important for proper functioning of the unit at its top efficacy. Routine air conditioner maintenance helps to avoid any major breakdowns in the future and perfect functioning throughout the changing seasons to come.

For efficient operation, the unit shall be maintained effectively and efficiently throughout its usage. The negligence of necessary maintenance can cause a steady decline in the performance of the unit with a steady rise in energy consumption. The primary objective of maintenance is to mitigate the consequences of a failure of the unit.

Important Steps in Air Conditioner Maintenance Service are:

Routine cleaning and replacement, if needed, of air conditioner filters, coils, and fins. Clogged filters prevent good airflow. Unclean coils reduce the unit’s ability to absorb heat and the condenser coils bent easily, which needs to be replaced to avoid blocking of airflow.

Clear clogged drain channels – as they prevent the air conditioners from lowering the humidity levels.
Correct checking of the amount of refrigerant.
Checking the thermostat accuracy.
Measuring airflow in the evaporator coils.

Thus, proper care ensures the efficacy of your air conditioner.

Sweltering Heat: How to Troubleshoot HVAC Problems

July 2, 2017adminEnergy Efficiency, Home Maintenance, Summer Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, home maintenance, hvacLeave a comment

There is almost nothing worse than sitting in a hot house in the middle of summer without air conditioning. If you suspect that there’s something wrong with your HVAC unit, it’s best to investigate the issue as soon as possible so that you’re not left sitting in the heat. After troubleshooting your issue, you might need to seek the assistance of a professional to get the problem fixed.

Power Supply

The first thing that you should check is the power supply to the unit. Sometimes, the circuit breaker can get tripped or a cord can get disconnected. This is often a simple fix and the least expensive of the issues that could be wrong with the HVAC unit. Try turning the breaker off for a few seconds before turning it back on to see if the unit will respond. You should also look at the fuses for the unit to see if any of them are bad.

Adjusting the Thermostat

To check the thermostat, set the unit to cool. Turn the setting to where it’s about three degrees below the temperature in the room. The unit should come on with cool air blowing from the vents. If no air can be felt, then you may be looking at an issue with the thermostat as it won’t pick up on the temperature in the room to make the unit come on at the right time.

Check the Coils and Wires

This can be a detailed venture, but you need to know if the coils are still working as they should. The cover of the unit will likely need to be removed. After scanning the coils and electrical components, take note to see if any are burnt or damaged. A company such as Edge Guys HVAC can send professionals to the home to replace the parts that are impacting the unit or replace the entire unit if the parts can’t be repaired or replaced.

Proper Ventilation

Check the vents in the home as well as the ventilation system. There shouldn’t be anything blocking the flow of air from the unit to the inside of the home. Check to see if the fan is on or if the unit is set to auto. If the fan is on, then it will run for a longer period of time. Clean the vents and the rest of the system to remove dirt and debris that collects over the winter months.

Troubleshooting your HVAC unit can take a few minutes or a few hours, but the result should mean cold air in the home. While some tasks can be completed yourself, there are repairs that might require the help of a professional. Once the unit is repaired and you have air flowing, it’s important to maintain the unit so that there aren’t any issues in the future.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks.

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Creepy Crawlers: How to Eliminate Pests in Your Home This Summer

June 20, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Maintenance, Summer TipsDIY projects, home maintenance, pest control, summerLeave a comment

The weather is warming up outside, which means that insects and other creepy crawlers will be coming out of hibernation soon. And they are all going to be looking for places to provide them with food, water, and shelter. So houses all over the country will become rapidly infested with them if they aren’t prepared. Luckily, when this happens, there are three ways to eliminate the pests quickly and safely.

Store Food Properly

Proper food storage habits will help keep pests at bay by making the place unappealing to them. All food must be put away in containers that seal shut. And nothing should ever be left out at night that they could snack on. That means, dirty dishes and leftovers all have to be cleaned up before heading to bed.

Keep Things Dry

Most pests can’t endure hot, dry conditions because they need a steady supply of water to drink. So naturally, they tend to congregate around areas that are damp and wet. That is why one of the easiest ways to deter them is to remove as much moisture as possible in the house. This can be done by fixing all of the drips and leaks and removing any sources of water that might be tempting to them. All the sinks in the house should be towel dried in between use. And water dishes for the pets have to be put away at night too.

Remove Trash and Clean

According to Allrid Pest Management, homes with an excess amount of trash and debris make the perfect environment for pests to live in. And the pests will end up spreading to all of the surrounding houses, which perpetuates the problem. That means, even if someone has an immaculate house, they can still end up getting an infestation of pests because they have a dirty neighbor. So the best thing to do in this situation is to report the problematic house to the local authorities to ensure that it gets cleaned up quickly. Then, the neighbors who live in the vicinity need to have their houses treated as well.

Everyone needs to participate in these pest-deterring procedures for them to be effective. That way, the sources of food, water, and shelter are all taken away, which makes the area uninhabitable for the creepy crawlers. But remember, those who already have a severe infestation may need to call in a professional pest control company if these procedures aren’t enough.