7 common home pest control mistakes
Home&garden

7 common home pest control mistakes

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid. Not determining the cause The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away. Only spraying ants On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.
Top 6 fragrant plants that repel ticks
Home&garden

Top 6 fragrant plants that repel ticks

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants.
5 mistakes to avoid while moving to a new home
Home&garden

5 mistakes to avoid while moving to a new home

Moving homes can be a stressful endeavor. With several jobs to manage simultaneously, it can get overwhelming. From packing to hiring professional movers, every task needs to be handled properly to ensure a smooth move with as few problems as possible. One way to ensure a hassle-free relocation is to avoid several common mistakes while moving. This article lists a few common mistakes one can try to avoid while moving. Not planning well A common mistake many commit is not planning the move adequately. To ensure a smooth relocation, one can start by making a checklist of important tasks. These tasks can be ones that need to be accomplished prior to moving as well as after moving. A detailed checklist will help avoid missing crucial details, such as remembering to switch off utilities in the previous house or applying for an address change at the post office. Packing at the last minute Irrespective of whether one is moving from a bigger house or a smaller space, it’s a blunder to put off packing until the last minute. Not spacing out the relocation process over a few days or weeks may lead to chaos and disorganization. This means there will not be enough time to be careful with one’s possessions.
10 easy home improvement hacks to try today
Home&garden

10 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Owning a home is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Every home space needs to evolve continually to suit the needs and preferences of its occupants. While complete renovations and remodeling can be expensive, there are several tips and tricks to keep the home looking fresh and welcoming. Continue reading to discover ten easy home improvement hacks that can make any home space a haven that reflects one’s style and comfort. Paint the front door-  The front door is often the first thing guests notice when they enter a home. So, transform it in a way that contributes to the curb appeal of a space and creates an impression. Paint the front door a bright, inviting color. For those unwilling to take on the whole door, begin by painting the door knob or investing in a vintage piece for a stylish touch. Add string lights-  String lights are a beautiful addition to any space. They also work well outdoors, hung over the patio or porch. Moreover, they can transform any outdoor space into an extra hosting area for guests, particularly in the warmer months. Get glass cabinet inserts-  Old wood cabinets can lose their glossy feature with time. Add some excitement to the house by replacing them with glass cabinet inserts.
6 easy ways to keep trash bags from slipping
Home&garden

6 easy ways to keep trash bags from slipping

Taking out the trash every day is a simple chore, which can quickly turn messy, with trash bags falling into the bin before one has had the chance to tie them up. The wrong bag size or just an excessive load can make the bag slip into the trash can and create a mess. This leads to additional cleanup. However, one can prevent trash bags from slipping in the following ways: 1. Try double bagging This technique involves placing two bags in a trash can. One can simply insert a trash bag in the can, then place another bag over it, letting friction created by the first bag prevent both bags from slipping down the edge of the can. Double bagging is commonly used by janitors in commercial and office spaces and is more sanitary and effective in preventing odors, especially when dealing with organic trash. 2. Get trash cans with grippers Trash cans could come equipped with grippers or textured bottoms on the inside to prevent bags from slipping. The unique pattern of the bin provides the necessary friction and grip to help the bag stay in place. Some cans also come with rubber bottoms that hold the trash bag firmly.
7 tips for using trash bags and cans effectively
Home&garden

7 tips for using trash bags and cans effectively

Garbage bags and cans are vital in maintaining cleanliness and general hygiene, providing a designated space for waste disposal. Furthermore, these essential tools are also used to pack clothes, shoes, and other items or keep things dry when traveling. Proper usage of garbage bags is important to ensure the safety of their contents. Improper usage may lead to breakage and leaks, creating a mess. Check out some helpful tips below for using garbage bags effectively. Use heavy-duty bags One of the first tips to ensure the bag is safe is to use heavy-duty options, such as a thick, black garbage bag. These can carry significantly more weight than thinner options, reducing the possibility of tearing or breaking. Similarly, outdoor garbage bags carry more weight than their flimsy counterparts, showing increased resistance to tearing or breakage. Consider large or extra-large bags One should always use large or extra-large bags in a garbage can. These bags help one collect more waste inside in comparison to smaller options. Since the bag can store more, this helps in reducing the number of garbage bags used each month, potentially leading to cost savings. Try garbage bags with ties People usually shop for cost-effective bags. However, when doing so, they might miss out on essential features like ties that help securely seal the bag.
Avoid these 7 mistakes while using dishwashers
Home&garden

Avoid these 7 mistakes while using dishwashers

Dishwashers are kitchen appliances that simplify the task of cleaning dishes by efficiently washing and sanitizing them. Besides the cleaning task, these appliances also keep one’s dishes organized. However, the effectiveness of a dishwasher primarily depends on proper usage. Not using it correctly could hamper its overall performance and even lead to wear and tear in a short period. Therefore, avoid the common mistakes listed below to boost the performance and longevity of one’s dishwasher. Overcrowding the rack While a dishwasher is designed to handle dishes easily, there is a limit on how many dishes can be placed during a cycle. Overcrowding the rack may affect the machine’s capacity to clean its contents thoroughly. Placing too many dishes on the appliance may lead to water and detergent getting trapped between tight spaces. It may result in uneven cleaning, with dishes coming out dirty. Therefore, one should space items to ensure the dishes are cleaned as expected. Running partial loads While overcrowding the dishwasher can harm the appliance, it is equally important to avoid running partial loads. Though this may effectively clean the dishes, the process consumes high quantities of water and energy. To avoid this, one should ensure they adequately fill the appliance and use it only when necessary.
5 errors to avoid while buying a home generator
Home&garden

5 errors to avoid while buying a home generator

Each season brings its own delights, but the occasional severe storms that tag along can cause a lot of trouble, especially by knocking out power grids. With the storms lasting from hours to days, households have to make arrangements to get essential appliances running. Here, a backup home generator can help in dealing with such situations. However, while purchasing a generator, one may want to avoid the following common mistakes: 1. Skipping a power audit Conducting a power audit is a key step before buying a home generator. This will help one determine the right seized generator that would work for the house. Otherwise, the generator may not be able to handle the power load for the entire household. With a power audit, the total wattage and amperes required in a generator will also become clear. To conduct an audit, one can simply add up the wattages of all the appliances and electrical fittings in the house. Another option is to hire a professional technician for a more accurate assessment. 2. Ignoring fuel availability and source Another common mistake while buying a home generator is not checking the fuel source and its availability. Generators typically run on diesel, propane, gasoline, or propane.
5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a front door
Home&garden

5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a front door

A stunning entrance can leave a lasting impression on visitors. Even though doors are such an important part of homes, people often forget to pay enough attention when choosing them. This can lead to wonky aesthetics, safety issues, and higher energy costs as well. To help one choose the right front door for their house, here are some of the most common mistakes they should avoid while making a purchase decision: 1. Choosing the wrong material To ensure one gets a strong, durable door that keeps the home safe, it is important to carefully consider its material. One can choose from the following common materials: Fiberglass: This material is durable and easy to clean. One can choose between two types of fiberglass doors—with and without glass panels—depending on their daylight requirements. This material gives a sleek finish to the home and is known for being energy efficient. Steel: For those living in regions with harsh weather, steel doors can be perfect. They require very little maintenance and often feature an added layer of foam for enhanced energy efficiency. Wood: A classic choice, wood has been the favored material for doors around the world. Thanks to its warm, natural appearance, it gives a welcoming finish to every home.
5 common window replacement mistakes to avoid
Home&garden

5 common window replacement mistakes to avoid

The windows of a house can get damaged over time due to factors like extreme weather conditions, rot, wear and tear, or even accidents. It is important to replace windows as soon as one notices signs of major damage to restore the safety and convenience windows provide. Further, while replacing windows, one can opt for better frames and panes to enhance the look and functionality of windows. But, one should avoid the following mistakes: 1. Getting measurements wrong When planning to replace a window, one of the most important things to do is take accurate measurements of the available space. If the measurements are incorrect, one may end up with parts that do not fit. Further, measuring the shortlisted window frames can help one select options that fit with available space at home. Also, measurements should not be limited to the height and width but should also include the desired thickness to ensure the chosen frame fits easily into the allotted space. 2. Choosing the wrong material The window material has a major impact on the energy bills. If one chooses a glass or frame that offers poor insulation, the temperature regulation inside the home will be affected, leading to higher electricity consumption.

Top Articles

Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases
health

Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases

The kidney and liver are two important organs in your body. You must keep them healthy to maintain a happy and safe life. However, you should also be aware of some important facts about the liver and kidney-related diseases so that you can visit your doctor before any health-related issue becomes more serious. Kidney and liver diseases and stages Chronic kidney disease is a medical condition that affects your kidneys. However, it progresses in five different stages and usually does not affect both the kidneys at once. Before learning about the stages of this illness, you need to first understand what Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is. The age, gender, race, and serum creatinine are taken into account to calculate a person’s GFR, which determines the stage of chronic kidney disease. The serum creatinine is a type of waste product, which comes from the body’s muscle activity. As the condition of your kidney worsens, it filters less and less creatinine. The GFR calculation uses this to determine the kidney condition. Stage 1 : GFR > 90 ml/min Stage 2 : GFR = 60-89 ml/min Stage 3A : GFR = 45-59 ml/min Stage 3B : GFR = 30-44 ml/min Stage 4 :
Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention
health

Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health indicates overall health, so regular oral hygiene is important to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other mouth and teeth issues. Also, oral health is important at every stage of life, and it should not be taken lightly as oral diseases can also spread to the rest of the body. Let’s take a look at the basics of oral health issues and how to prevent them. Common oral health problems Oral health problems can affect people at different stages of lives: Infants A routine to help children maintain oral hygiene. When a child starts getting their first teeth, parents should wipe their gums with a clean, moist washcloth. Gradually, they can change this washcloth to a toothbrush for kids. Also, a child must be taken for their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, which should be not later than a kid’s first birthday. Additionally, parents should always stop children from sucking their thumbs as it can affect their tooth alignment. Also, never let them sleep with a bottle in their mouth as this can cause tooth decay. Children and teenagers Many who have crooked teeth start showing signs between the ages of 6 and 12.
Essential factors of mental health issues
health

Essential factors of mental health issues

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about mental health. With the little information on mental health, people are often narrow-minded when it comes to treating mental illnesses and often this causes a big problem for those who have mental health problems. To help you understand better, we are here to provide you with the details of mental health problems, which include its stages, diagnosis, and treatment. Stages of mental health issues The following stages are generally experienced by patients: Stage 1: Preconception When the patient is in this stage, they may mostly be in denial. It is possible that they point out that something seems off but they are fully capable of going about with their usual routine. Stage 2: Contemplation At this stage, it is clear that the patient needs medical help. The symptoms have started to set in, and it has now started to affect the day-to-day routine of the patient. Stage 2: Crisis If stages 1 and 2 are dealt with in the right way, this stage can be avoided. If not, the patient may face a nervous breakdown. Stage 4: Getting Help This stage should ideally come before the crisis for the problem to be averted.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis
health

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain. Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are weakening and numbing in the body, blurring of vision, headaches, loss of hearing, speech issues, seizures, and bladder issues. The main treatment of multiple sclerosis focuses on managing symptoms of the disease. Let us take a look at the stages that the person goes through in case of multiple sclerosis. Stages of multiple sclerosis There are four stages of multiple sclerosis. These include: Clinically isolated syndrome A clinically isolated syndrome is usually the first attack of multiple sclerosis experienced by patients. It is marked by an inflamed myelin sheath. At this stage, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is used to make a proper diagnosis. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common stage. Most patients experience symptoms of this stage before the age of 30. Patients may experience episodes of symptoms. Relapse in this stage can lead to brain lesions. If patients go into remission, this phase can continue for a few weeks or even several years. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis Primary progressive multiple sclerosis usually begins in patients after they cross the age of 40.
Important things that you must know about pain management
health

Important things that you must know about pain management

The techniques of pain management are devised based on the cause of pain. Pain management also depends on the severity and duration of pain. It focuses on the identification of the source of pain and selecting the best course of treatment. Let us take a closer look at some of the aspects of pain management. Types of pain The most common types of pain are: Neuropathic pain It’s a type of pain, which impacts the nervous system. In this form of pain, there is damage to the nervous system. A typical example is a diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also include fibromyalgia, sympathetically maintained pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Nociceptive pain It is a pain that results from a bone that is broken in the body. This pain is determined by the transfer of signals from the peripheral nerves to the brain through the spinal cord. Somatic pain This pain is a type that affects the thighs and back of the patient. Every time a patient goes to the doctor with back pain, their doctor checks their medical history and conducts a physical exercise test and imaging test. After an accurate diagnosis, the pain can be adequately treated. Cancer pain Cancer or the treatment of cancer can cause this type of pain.
Understanding the essentials about menopause
health

Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopause Menopause has three different stages, as given below. Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Menopause If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable.