Category: Lawn & Garden Page 3 of 4

Why You Need To Get Rid of Mice ASAP

On August 26, 2020

Not everyone is frightened of mice. In fact, some people think they’re cute, so what harm is one mouse? If the image of an adorable, fluffy mouse has you looking the other way, you’re making a mistake. Here are four reasons to put on your grown-up pants and evict that mouse today.

One Mouse Is Never Just One

When you see one mouse, it seems like an easy catch. The problem is that one mouse is rarely the only one. Mice have several litters per year and that adds up. The only way to know for sure is to call a professional exterminator Staten Island for an expert analysis.

They Carry Diseases

It’s hard to believe a tiny mouse could carry such a big disease, but they do. One of the most worrisome is an illness called hantavirus. This sickness can be contracted by merely breathing in infected air that contains the virus and it could lead to serious pulmonary complications, so it’s crucial to address a mouse problem.

Your Allergies Could Get Worse

If you have allergies, they could be compounded by the presence of mice. Start looking around your home for signs of rodents when your allergies take a turn for the worse. Mouse droppings can exacerbate symptoms and even aggravate asthma.

You’ll Never Relax

When you’ve got mice, you’ll never truly relax well. Mice are active at all times, but they love scurrying around at night. Since they’re excellent climbers, you’ll hear them in the walls and even what sounds like the ceiling. The scampering and scratching noises will keep you up at night and have you tired by morning.

Don’t Wait Any Longer

If you’ve seen proof of mice in your house, or you have a sneaking suspicion, don’t wait. As cute as they are, mice can cause health-related problems as well as a lot of extra cleaning. Call a professional today to help eliminate your mouse problem once and for all.

3 Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

By Barry Hale

On August 26, 2020

In Lawn & Garden, Outdoors

Squirrels can be fun to watch as they play outside or scamper up and down trees looking for mates or food. However, they also search for places to live that are sheltered from danger and the elements. Sometimes that can lead them into a house, which causes problems for the homeowner.

1. Damage

They will generally live in the attic or chimney, so if there are piles of messed up insulation, they may contain nests. Other signs include chewed wires, wood beams or drywall. An entry point may be spotted that is a damaged area of the roof or a broken air vent. If there are signs of squirrels, contact a company that does environmentally-friendly pest removal Sacramento CA for help.

2. Odor

A bad smell may emanate from the area they have taken over as squirrels urinate and defecate. A buildup of waste can damage walls and ceilings, as well as create an unpleasant stench. Be careful about cleaning it up, as the droppings may contain diseases or harmful bacteria. Call a company to come out and rid the house of the animals and clean up the mess. Another odor source may be a squirrel that has died and is beginning to decay.

3. Noise

Often one of the most noticeable signs of an infestation is strange noises. A squirrel scampering around the attic makes a lot of noise as they scurry across wood beams or dig through insulation. If babies are born, they will make noises as they move around the nest. They love to chew on things, so listen for the sounds of wood beams or the ceiling itself being eaten.

One of the best ways to deal with squirrels is by keeping an eye on the attic and making sure the roof and air vents are in good repair. If they cannot get in, then there is no problem. If they do manage to enter, a professional should be called to handle it, as wild creatures can be dangerous and carry diseases.

Benefits Offered by Installing Gutter Covers

By Barry Hale

On August 26, 2020

In Lawn & Garden, Outdoors

Did you know that the right gutter covers can help prevent you from having to continually clean out your home’s gutters? If you aren’t sure this is an investment worth making, it is a good idea to learn about some of the benefits that are offered. Keep reading to learn what these are.

Save Money and Time

With gutter covers Vancouver installed you can prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating in the gutters and clogging the system. If you don’t have these in place, you may have to have them cleaned out or spend time doing this yourself. Even when gutter guards are in place, debris could collect on top; however, usually, they will remain cleaner and be less prone to clogging.

Avoid Insect and Mice Infestations

A huge benefit offered by gutter guards is that they will help prevent insects and vermin from getting in your gutter system. This is because stagnant water won’t be sitting in the gutters, attracting them. Also, the screens or guards will serve as a physical barrier to rodents, birds, and other vermin.

Help Prevent Gutter Freezing and Ice Dams

If water is trapped in your gutters during the winter months, it may freeze and cause ice dams. While gutter guards won’t prevent ice dams, they will keep debris from accumulating in the gutters and solve the issue of ice dams.

Call the Professionals for Gutter Guard Installation

If you want to install gutter screens or guards for your gutter system, be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind. Being informed and knowing what to expect is the best way to know if you should invest in this. Be sure to hire the professionals to handle the job, as they are going to be able to handle the process, regardless of the current state of your gutters.

3 Great Design Tips for Handling Large Landscapes

By Barry Hale

On August 14, 2020

In Lawn & Garden

Wondering how you can enhance the landscape design of your yard? If you have a large yard, it presents a lot of special opportunities, as well as many challenges. Here are three helpful tips to bring a large landscape to life.

1. Create Movement

Giving the eye a logical progression to follow adds drama to your landscaping, especially when you have a large yard. Plant a low floral border near the front edge of the yard. Allow the lawn to take up the middle part of the yard, then at the back, mix a variety of hedges and flowers to provide variety for your home’s façade. Since there are plenty of plantings involved with this transformation, it’s best to leave the care of your outdoor space to professional landscape maintenance services Kent.

2. Add a Focal Point

If you have a large front yard, you can define it with a technique called specimen planting. An ideal way to do this is to plant a distinctive tree and surround it by well-maintained boxwood hedges, instantly creating a focal point that uses the rest of the yard as its stage. The right specimen planting lets you make your landscape interesting, while limiting the amount of maintenance you have to do – it’s a win-win!

3. Embellish Paths and Walkways

You can dress up the paths that cross your large yard by adding shrubs or borders of lower-growing annuals or perennials. This reinforces the path’s separation from the large spaces of your lawn. It also creates more visual interest, since a simple concrete walkway can be forgettable and boring.

Don’t be intimidated by the size of your yard – even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can give it a complete transformation. Follow these landscape design tips and your yard will soon become the best on the block.

What To Do With Your Unwanted Items

By Barry Hale

On August 14, 2020

In DIY, Lawn & Garden

John Lennon’s “Imagine” may be one of the most popular songs on the planet, but its message has yet to catch on with most Americans. The song references a world without possessions, yet there are approximately 300,000 said possessions in today’s average U.S. household. That’s a lot of stuff, and for most individuals, the collections are only growing larger. The situation presents a difficult dilemma of what to do with all those items. After all, most people are limited in regard to the storage space they have on hand. Here are three options to help you cut down on the assets you’ve accumulated.

Host a Garage Sale

It can be hard saying goodbye to objects you’ve spent years with, but it’s made easier when those farewells bring new cold, hard cash into your life. Hosting a garage sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted junk, and you’ll experience a sense of fulfillment as your stacks of stuff grow smaller and smaller. There are also numerous websites that allow you to sell your items online.

Acquire a Storage Unit

Sometimes you just can’t part with an object, but there’s no space to hold onto it, either. That’s when a storage unit makes a lot of sense. Some individuals rent storage space, but if you want to keep your collections close by, purchasing steel buildings Lewiston ID or in your area could be a better solution. Prefabricated buildings are inexpensive and offer storage solutions for items of any size.

Donate to Charity

Whether you’re unable to pawn off your possessions or you simply prefer to avoid the hassle of arranging a sale, there’s always the option of donating to a charity. This is especially attractive if you are about to move, as many nonprofit organizations will pick up your undesirable objects at your home, so you won’t have to worry about arranging transportation or hiring help to move a heavy item.

Parting with your possessions can be a difficult process. Using one of these approaches, however, can make it a little easier.

3 Reasons to Choose Hydroseeding for Your Lawn

By Barry Hale

On July 8, 2020

In Lawn & Garden

You just moved into your new home and everything inside is clean and new. You are feeling excited until you walk outside to your dirt patch of a yard. You want to get your grass in quick so the kids aren’t playing in the mud and tracking it into your brand new house. Choosing hydroseeding for your yard is a good option because it can be used in difficult areas, it’s cost-effective and starts in your soil.

Reason 1: Easy Application for Difficult Areas

Soil without roots to keep it in place will wash away over time. You may not think it is a big deal, but you could eventually have no soil or big holes in your yard if you don’t protect it from the elements. That protection comes through plants, but how do you get grass on a difficult hill that would be hard to lay traditional sod? Hydroseeding can be used in any terrain. Have hydroseeding contractors Southern California come and spray the seeds on the difficult area and with some good watering you won’t have to worry about erosion.

Reasons 2: Cost-Effective for Large Yards

Sod can be pricey and to have someone do the work to lay it can be even more expensive. Especially in large areas, hydroseeding is a great option if you are working on a budget. It also saves time, which means you save money, when all you have to do is have someone spray it on the soil instead of working for hours.

Reason 3: Starts in Your Yard

Plants can be finicky, especially about the soil they grow in. When you hydroseed the grass is started in your yard and stays there. That helps create healthy roots that are accustomed to exactly how your soil works so you will have a healthy lawn for years to come.

5 Things To Do This Summer

By Barry Hale

On June 14, 2020

In Lawn & Garden

Longer days, warmer weather, and the squeals of children are all part of what makes summer the best time of year for enjoying new experiences. Whether you have a saved all your vacation time during the year, or only have a long weekend to get away, the possibilities may seem endless. To help you choose from among the hundreds of options you have about how to spend your time off, here are the top four picks for this year.

1. Camping

Grab your tent, sleeping bags, and some food and head off to a nearby camping ground for a relaxing night in nature. If allowed, build a fire, tell scary stories, and roast some s’mores. You may be able to feel the stress melt away.

2. Vacation

Take a long vacation to somewhere you have never been. Whether domestic or foreign, the adventure could be the trip of a lifetime. Make sure you take plenty of photos to jog your memory when you get home. Don’t forget to hire a lawn care company Burleson to take care of your yard while you are away.

3. Party

Have a block party. Invite the neighbors to bring a favorite main course, drink, dessert, and a chair. You can provide the plates, silverware, and front lawn. If your city allows it, block off part of the street to provide an area where the children can play.

4. Ocean

If you have never walked in the ocean waves, now is the time! The sound of the surf, the majesty of the water, and the feel of the wet sand between your toes are priceless. If you are lucky, you may even find a seashell or see a whale passing by.

Experience something new this year. Choose one of the four activities listed above to make your summer a memorable one.

3 Best Home Improvements for Families

By Barry Hale

On May 22, 2020

In DIY, Lawn & Garden

Wondering how you can make your home work better for your family? It’s a great idea to take the plunge and complete some home improvement projects. Here are three great home upgrades that will enhance your family’s everyday life!

1. Install a Pool

Every growing family needs a comfortable space to enjoy outdoor fun together. If you install an inground pool in your backyard, you’ll create a go-to destination for family entertainment. Include plenty of exciting features that each member of the family will love, like a pool basketball hoop, diving board and even a built-in whirlpool tub.

2. Build an Addition

In order to accommodate your growing family, you’ll definitely need to add more space to your home. The best way to do this is by building an addition. If you need a family gathering space, a family room addition could be ideal. For a private escape from the kids, consider building a master suite addition. Whatever you choose, let San Francisco best contractors take care of creating your new space. Your family will be sure to appreciate some extra room to spread out!

3. Add a Bathroom

If you have a large family, you know all too well how stressful the morning routine can be when there aren’t enough bathrooms to accommodate everyone. Build a new half bathroom in an unused pantry, closet or even in the space under the stairs to ease some of the morning stress. It’s helpful to place your new bathroom near existing plumbing and sewage lines and be sure to provide proper ventilation using a window or outlet.

Take steps today to make your home more functional and comfortable for you and your family. By following these tips, you’ll create a great living environment that allows each member of the family to thrive!

3 Greatest Curb Appeal-Boosting Home Upgrades

By Barry Hale

On May 13, 2020

In Lawn & Garden, Outdoors

Trying to set your home apart from your neighbors? Fortunately, with the right home improvements, you can give your home’s appearance a massive overhaul. Follow these three tips to add some much-needed curb appeal to your own home!

1. Improve Your Landscaping

Boost your curb appeal instantly by refreshing your home’s landscaping. If you’ve really let your yard go, you’ll need some extra help getting it back into proper condition. Hire expert weed removal Lake Elsinore to give you a clean slate to begin transforming your yard into a yard that will truly impress. Keep your grass trimmed and properly fed with eco-friendly fertilizer and plant plenty of colorful flowers throughout your property to give all your guests a friendly welcome!

2. Update Your Front Door

The front door is one of the first features people notice when they view your home. Make sure your home gives off a welcoming and cheerful vibe from the start by modernizing your front door. A complete door replacement may be necessary if your door is in really rough shape. For doors in decent condition, a new coat of paint or stain, along with some contemporary hardware, can truly elevate your entry and bring your home’s style to the next level.

3. Create Clear Paths

It’s important for visitors to have a clear and stable way to reach your front door from the street. Create simple paths on your property, either by applying pea gravel or installing concrete pavers. In addition, it’s a good idea to light the way for your guests as they arrive at night. Install solar-powered lantern lights around your new paths to allow guests to safely navigate your grounds.

Don’t hesitate to take on these exciting home upgrade ideas. By following these tips, you’ll increase your home’s curb appeal and become proud of its appearance!

3 Great Tips To Improve Your Yard

By Barry Hale

On May 12, 2020

In Lawn & Garden, Outdoors

Looking to make your house the best on the block? If you’re trying to create a property that will truly impress, you need to make updates to your outdoor spaces. Here are three great outdoor improvement options that will set your home apart from the rest.

1. Install a Pool

When it comes to making outdoor improvements, there’s nothing more dramatic and more useful than installing a brand-new inground pool. Consult with inground pool installation Atlanta professionals to help you design an outdoor oasis that best fits your needs. As you design your pool, be sure to include fun features like a pool basketball hoop or diving board. Add aesthetic upgrades like a waterfall or an infinity edge to create a breathtaking pool that will be the talk of the neighborhood!

2. Spruce up Your Landscaping

If you want to have the best yard, you’ll have to make sure that your landscaping outshines that of your neighbors. You’ll need to go beyond the basics of simple lawn maintenance and plant flowers, shrubs and trees to give your yard plenty of greenery, color and visual interest. It’s also a good idea to install outdoor lighting to showcase your landscaping and your home’s architectural features at any time of the day or night.

3. Add Outdoor Entertainment Space

Need space to entertain outdoors? A deck or patio can become your new favorite hangout spot! Whether you choose a deck or patio largely depends upon the space you have available in your yard. It’s recommended to build a deck directly connected to an exterior door, whereas patios can be placed just about anywhere in your yard. Add outdoor seating and string lighting to create a welcoming place for you and your guests to relax.

If you’re looking to increase your everyday enjoyment of your home, it’s always a good idea to improve your outdoor spaces. By following these tips, you’ll soon have the coolest yard on the block!