Prevent A Winter Insect & Pest Invasion

Most of us think that the summer months are the time we need to worry about insects invading our homes. It is true that many animals and insects go into hibernation or a dormant phase when it is cold. But there are others that seek shelter in warm, protected environments. Pest control during the winter is required to keep ants, roaches and other types of insects from disrupting the peace and tranquility of your home. Chances are that without preventative measures, you will see more of them during the winter months.

• Fill cracks and holes that allow entry for small pests
• Do not leave food out on counters any longer than necessary, especially at night
• Trim shrubs, hedges and trees so that they do not touch the house
• Always store wood away from the foundation of your house as roaches often nest in wood piles
• Treat as recommended by professionals

Rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels do not hibernate but will happily take of residence in your basement, attic or walls. To prevent rodents from obtaining access to your house follow these steps.

• Make sure there are no holes in the exterior of your home where they could gain access. Repair and replace any damaged or rotted wood. 
• Repair any cracks in pipes that may allow entry for a small creature
• Clean gutters and remove debris that would provide nesting material or habitat
• Store bird seed in metal containers
• Treat as recommended by a professional exterminator when necessary

'Tis the Season! for Gift Giving

Throughout the holiday season we all invariably run into a brick wall when it comes to gift giving. The good news is there is always one item that we can fall back on because it’s a gift that everyone loves, regardless of age or gender and that’s a plant. House plants exude warmth, love and caring. They warm up a home, beautify an office, and just invariably brings a smile to the face of the receiver. It’s a gift you can feel good about giving.

SerenataPlants is a website business out of the UK that was recently brought to my attention, so I thought I’d check it out. Not only do they have a wonderful selection of house plants, perfect for gift giving, they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. As they say the offer “a no-quibble replacement or full-refund” if you are unhappy with a purchase. How can you quibble with a company who uses the word quibble? Not me!

Order online or by phone. SerenataPlants accepts all major credit cards and Pay Pal. Best of all, standard delivery is prompt and free.

When choosing a plant, consider the environment in which the plant will be placed and the amount and type of care required. Matching the plant with the individual and his/her circumstances will ensure a happy plant and a happy recipient. For more information on house plant varieties and care check out the NationalGardening Association.

Steps to Winterize your Pool

In many parts of the country winter has already delivered its first snow storm. But in warmer climates there are still some of us who are wrapping things up around the yard on the last warm days of an extended fall.  Winter pool maintenance is essential to keeping it in good condition and will make all the difference come spring time when you’re eager to get it back up and ready for a dip.

According to pool experts, here is a quick rundown of the steps necessary to winterize an in-ground pool. Pool supplies can be purchased locally or online often at discounted prices.

1. Before the first freeze, make sure all the pipelines and pool filters are empty of water.
2. Blow antifreeze through the pipes.  
3.  Drain plugs should be removed.
4.  Use a skimmer net to remove debris from the surface of the pool.
5.  Twenty four hours before closing your pool for the season shock and treat pool, add algaecide and check pH balance.
6. Cover the pool.

Above ground pool:

1.  Drain the pool to jet level. 
2. Add antifreeze and algaecide. 
3. Cover

Pre-winter maintenance may take a little extra time, effort and money, but when the weather warms up and ready for your first swim of the summer, you will be glad you did.

Tips for Winter Bird Feeding

Backyard birds need us more than ever in the winter months. Create a happy healthy environment for them by following these tips and they will provide you with hours of bird watching enjoyment.

•  Provide a variety of feeding stations for your feathered visitors and you will attract a wide selection of birds.
•  A winter bird feeder should offer winter protection to the birds in snowy climates with a wide cover over the feeding ports or trays. This will not only protect the birds but will keep the seed from being buried in snow. A large capacity bird feeder will keep the birds happy and reduce the number of fill ups required.
• A bird house provides a warm, safe nesting place for birds even in the winter. So if you have one, leave it in place. The cooler weather is also a good time to add a new bird house for early scouts.
•  A bird bath is also a necessity in winter months and in some climates a tremendous help to the bird population when lakes and streams are frozen. This is the time to add a heated birdbath or purchase a safe heating element for your regular birdbath.
•  If you have a humming bird feeder, the colder weather provides the perfect opportunity to take it down, clean it thoroughly and store it until spring. If it needs replacing now is a great time to find them on sale.
•  Insects and fruit are in short supply in most areas during the winter months so the birds will rely more heavily on seeds. A high fat diet gives them the extra energy they need as well. Include: black oil sunflower seeds, suet mixes with seeds or fruit, white millet seed, peanut butter, peanuts and Nyjer/thistle seeds, safflower seeds, meal worms, cracked corn. If you use a mixed seed be sure it is a good quality.
• Fall is the perfect time to stock up on bird seed as it is usually on sale. Keep it in a cool dry place and it will keep for months. Use a large, metal or plastic container such as an empty cat or dog food container for easy storage and access.

                                                      

Time to Start Thinking About the Holidays!

Fall is the perfect time to give your interior décor a face lift. Outdoor living is coming to an end and the holidays are fast approaching. We all want our homes to be in tip top shape when our friends and families arrive for holiday visits.

Here are a few suggestions for some quick, inexpensive changes that may provide just the spark you are looking for without breaking the bank.

Glass Fitter Shades: One of the easiest ways I’ve found to give a bathroom a new look is to change the globes on the light fixtures. Chances are if your light fixtures have been in place as long as mine, they could use a little updating. If money is no option you might want to go out and buy a whole new fixture, but it really isn’t necessary. Take a look at the variety of glass fitter shades available and see if buying a few of those won’t just do the trick!

Drop Bedskirt: Recently I realized that my guest bedroom needed some sprucing up. It just looked ordinary and I wanted it to be more inviting. My sister will be coming for the holidays and I wanted to create a bed & breakfast atmosphere for her so she would feel like she was on a mini-vacation. Adding a drop bedskirt was exactly what was needed to warm up the room and hide the junk under the bed!

European Style Couch:  If a new couch is in your budget you will want to check out these charming and affordable options. Create your dream living room at a price you can afford. There is no doubt your holiday visitors will be totally swept away by your sense of style! (They don’t have to know how much you saved creating it!)